‘Switzerland of India’: Canadian influencer questions global comparisons of Indian places

A video shared by Canadian content creator Caleb Friesen, who has been living in India for several years, has sparked discussion on social media about the use of comparisons with international destinations to describe Indian cities and sites.

In the video, Friesen questioned why Indian sites are often compared to global destinations rather than being recognised for their own unique identities.

Friesen referred to commonly used labels such as “Bengaluru as the Silicon Valley of India,” “Gulmarg as the Switzerland of India,” and “Pondicherry as the France of India.” He noted that such comparisons, though familiar, tend to frame Indian cities and landscapes as imitations rather than originals.

He added that these shorthand descriptions can unintentionally diminish the cultural and geographical distinctiveness of Indian places by defining them in relation to Western or international standards.

"This isn't Japan, it's Bengaluru!"

Every year the pink trumpet trees bloom, and every year influencers compare the city to Japan with its sakura trees.

This is one example of a widespread bad habit: using derivative names/descriptions for Indian cities, landmarks, and people. pic.twitter.com/Pkm7w6XfvA

— Caleb (@caleb_friesen) January 11, 2026

Friesen also highlighted naming conventions in India’s entertainment industry, noting that terms like Bollywood and Tollywood are derived from Hollywood, reflecting a broader tendency to define Indian cultural spaces through foreign references rather than indigenous frameworks.

The post has drawn mixed reactions on social media. While several users agreed with Friesen’s view that Indian cities and industries should be recognised on their own terms, others defended the use of comparisons, calling them a simple way for global audiences to relate to unfamiliar places.

A user noted, “Agree but influencers describing it that way isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Rather they’re trying to tell the masses to explore their own very diverse country that they might not be aware of. Also for audiences outside India, calling Chennai as Detroit of India makes sense.” Another said, “Good one, India shouldn't benchmark everything against one. India is great on its own with a massive population.” A third added, “India doesn’t need borrowed identities to prove its potential. A strong nation creates its own benchmarks, not comparisons.”

The video has sparked a broader conversation on how India presents itself to domestic and international audiences, and whether global comparisons help or obscure its own cultural and urban identity.