Many Pakistanis, 'embarrassed' of their country, present themselves as Indian abroad, claims banker

In a recent viral LinkedIn post, Indian banker Sarthak Ahuja shared a personal incident that sparked conversation around national identity and perception abroad. While checking into a hotel in New York, Ahuja observed something that left a lasting impression on him — an interaction that he believes reflects a broader trend among South Asians living overseas. His post, which mixes observation with national pride, has since prompted a flurry of reactions online.

Ahuja recounted how the hotel staff member assisting him appeared to be of South Asian descent. During a casual conversation, when Ahuja asked him where he was from, the man responded, “Gujarat.” While it sounded like he meant the Indian state, Ahuja sensed that the person might actually be referring to the city of Gujrat in Pakistan — a distinction few outside the region might catch.

Reflecting on this, Ahuja said he has noticed a recurring pattern during his travels to countries like the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe. He claimed that many Pakistanis abroad often hesitate to disclose their nationality, sometimes passing off as Indian to avoid discomfort or negative perceptions. According to Ahuja, this reluctance stems not from hostility, but from a sense of embarrassment about how Pakistan is perceived globally, especially in comparison to India's growing global brand.


He also highlighted that many restaurants abroad, especially in the UK, that are labeled “Indian” are actually run by Pakistani immigrants. Ahuja clarified that his intention was not to spread hate, but to shed light on how India’s global reputation benefits not just Indians, but others in the South Asian diaspora too.

He concluded his post with a message of respect for civilians on both sides of the border, a tribute to Indian lives lost in war, and a reminder of his patriotism — stating, “It’s always Jai Hind before anything else.”

Internet reacts

Several users responded to Sarthak Ahuja’s post by reflecting on similar experiences and offering their perspectives. One person noted that people from certain regions may feel conflicted due to cultural ties rooted in the history of undivided India, and that it’s often the civilians—not just the political elite—who embody a country's true spirit. Another user pointed out that the Indian identity has become a symbol of credibility in many parts of the world, a result of years of diplomacy, leadership, and global influence. Others echoed Ahuja’s observations, with one recalling a similar experience in Riyadh, where several restaurants branded as Indian were actually being run by Pakistanis.