Q: I'm perplexed by the application for Indian tourist visas for US citizens.
A: India is following standard procedures observed by all other countries.
Q: Why do I need to supply dates of expected travel when I am applying for a 5yr or 10yr multi-entry visa? It doesn't seem to make any sense.
A: Because that's their policy. It doesn't have to make sense.
I can see that this thread was a total waste of everyone's time. lol