India Country Report

The world's largest democracy, India has enjoyed peaceful transitions of power since independence, despite its significant ethnic and religious diversity. Corruption within government and business also remains a hindrance for outsiders looking to do business in the country despite multiple governments' pledges to crack down on graft and eliminate red tape.

Demonstrations are common and occasionally spark violence, though they are rarely directed at foreign interests. The risk of military conflict remains low, despite ongoing tensions with nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and China over border disputes. Domestic and transnational terror groups pose a credible threat and have launched high-profile attacks against transport, government buildings, religious sites, luxury hotels, and urban areas. Counter-terror operations and related arrests occur frequently, though no significant attack targeting civilians has occurred since 2008. Insurgents are active in parts of the country and mainly attack government and military targets, though their capabilities and presence are constantly declining. Petty crime against visitors is common in urban areas and on transportation. Violent crimes against foreigners are less common. Overland travel can be hazardous, as roads are sometimes poorly maintained, and driving standards can be limited. Medical facilities are generally adequate in major cities but may be limited in rural areas.

India faces a number of security-related concerns ranging from multiple insurgencies to a credible terrorist threat. Domestic and transnational terrorist outfits have launched several high-profile attacks against major urban centers. Insurgent groups are active in several states and carry out periodic attacks, although these occur primarily in rural or remote areas. The primary security concern for travelers stems from petty crime, especially pickpocketing, petty theft, and snatch-and-grab thefts. Violent crime against foreigners is relatively rare. However, foreigners can be exposed to incidental violence stemming from frequent unrest that is common across much of India.

There are no major concerns with India’s air service industry, although flight disruptions and delays are common.

Road conditions vary considerably between urban centers and rural areas, while driving standards are generally poor and the enforcement of traffic regulations is lackadaisical at best.

The ports in India are considered efficient.

Power outages are common in both rural and urban areas. While internet connectivity is generally fast and reliable in major cities, coverage decreases considerably in more remote towns and villages.

Cyber-crime poses a significant threat, with individuals, corporations, and government agencies systematically targeted.

Parts of India, particularly the northern and northeastern states, are vulnerable to periodic tremors of varying intensities. Damages and casualties are occasionally reported, with earthquakes also capable of triggering landslides. Torrential precipitation that occurs annually during monsoon season can trigger widespread flooding and cause significant overland travel disruptions and human displacement. Both of the county’s eastern and western coastlines experience occasional tropical cyclones and storms, which generally form from April through December.

The quality of medical care and facilities varies considerably between the major cities - which often boast excellent hospitals and clinics - and smaller urban centers and more rural areas. Medicines are generally available at pharmacies in cities, but can be harder to secure in rural towns and villages. The primary health risks stem from vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, chikungunya, and dengue, as well as as more common ailments such as food poisoning. Tap water is not safe for drinking, and its consumption can cause travelers' diarrhea.

India is a largely stable multi-party democracy. The country has enjoyed peaceful democratic transitions at both the state and federal levels. Indian authorities, however, have struggled to contend with widespread and systemic corruption, counteract a sluggish economy, address deep-rooted sectarian and communal unrest, as well as bring an end to multiple long-running insurgencies. As stated above, corruption is endemic and affects most levels of the government and bureaucracy. Despite some progress and frequent government pledges to address the issue, limited enforcement efforts and low conviction rates in corruption investigations have hindered these efforts.