Country Profile for INDIA

Select country:
 

Risk Rating

General Information

Country Map
Red (High Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are dangerous.
Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.


Amber (Moderate Risk) InTouch advice:
Some parts of the country are dangerous.
Travel with caution.


Green (Low Risk) InTouch advice:
Most parts of the country are safe.
Travel freely.
 
Capital: New Delhi

Major Languages: Hindi, English

Currency: Indian Rupee

Timezone: GMT +5:30
 

Overview

Overview

 

India’s relationship with Pakistan continues to be fractious, shifting between periods of calm to outbreaks of aggression. The disputed region of Kashmir, which is politically divided between India, Pakistan and China, remains a key source of antagonism between the two countries. In January, 2013 Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire at the Line of Control, leaving at least two soldiers from each side dead. Grenade attacks, protests and shootings often take place in Jammu and Kashmir, and non-essential travel to the region should be avoided.

Indo-Pak relations are also challenged by Islamic terrorism in the country and the links between extremist groups and Pakistan’s intelligence agency (ISI). In November, 2008 Pakistan-based terrorists carried out twelve coordinated attacks across the city of Mumbai, killing more than 160 people. One of the perpetrators of the attack, Ajmal Kasab, later confessed that his Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group had received training and logistical support from the ISI. There have been a series of smaller attacks across the country since then and the terrorist threat remains high. Visitors should remain vigilant to the threat of terrorism, particularly around hotels, foreign embassies and public transport hubs.

In eastern India a Maoist insurgency led by the Communist Party of India (CPI-M) continues to be a key security challenge for the Indian government. In 2006 Manmohan Singh described the conflict, which began in 1967, as “the single biggest internal security challenge ever faced by our country”. The uprising began in the West Bengal village of Naxalbari, and has since spread to the states of Jharkand, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, as well as parts of Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Between 2005 and 2012 more than 5,000 people were reported to have been killed in insurgent violence across the north-east, while the group are currently estimated to have up to 20,000 armed fighters in its ranks. The group frequently targets Indian security forces, such as in April, 2010 when at least 76 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Chhattisgarh state. Although foreign nationals are not generally targeted specifically travel to the affected states should be undertaken with caution. In March, 2012 two Italian nationals were kidnapped by Maoist rebels in Orissa, the first recorded seizure of a foreign national by the leftist group. Both were released after a few weeks as part of a prisoner swap agreement with the Indian authorities.

Protests and general strikes (bandhs) are common occurrences in India, and are held over a wide range of political, social and religious issues. In December, 2012 the brutal rape of a girl in Delhi sparked weeks of angry anti-government protests across India. Riot police used water cannons, tear gas and batons to break up many of the protests and hundreds of people were wounded. Visitors to the country are strongly advised to avoid all large scale public gatherings, and to monitor local media for developments. There have also been outbreaks of ethnic violence in the north-eastern state of Assam between local indigenous and Muslim Bengali migrants. In July, 2012 dozens of the people died in clashes while thousands were forced to flee their homes.

Levels of crime vary across India, although incident of violent crime against foreign nationals is rare. Petty criminals operate throughout the country and pose the biggest threat in large urban areas and on public transport. A popular technique is the ‘snatch-and-grab’, whereby the thief travels as a passenger on a motorcycle or scooter and grabs bags or other items from pedestrians before the driver speeds away. There have also been incident of intimidation and sexual offences against female travellers, particularly in Delhi, Goa and Rajasthan.

India can be affected by various regional weather systems, such as the south-east monsoon season which generally runs between June and September. In July, 2012 more than 100 people were killed by flooding in the north-eastern state of Assam and by September around 1.5 million had been displaced. The north of the country also sits in an area of strong seismic activity, and earthquakes are regularly reported. The last significant event occurred in 2005 when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake was reported in Kashmir. Although the majority of fatalities were recorded in the Pakistan-administered part of the territory (73,000), more than 1,300 people died on the Indian side of the border.

Alerts

Alert for India

 

Bomb attack on party office wounds 16 in Bangalore - 17 April 2013:

At least 16 people have been wounded, including eight police officers, when a bomb exploded near the offices of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bangalore.  The device was reportedly planted on a motorcycle in the Malleshwaram neighbourhood of the city.

Security forces clash with Maoists in Chhattisgarh - 16 April 2013:

Indian security forces have killed at least nine Maoist guerrillas during clashes in the central state of Chhattisgarh.  The Director General of Police said a guerrilla base in the forested area of Puarti village had been completely destroyed and a large cache of arms had been seized during the operations.

Prominent former politician shot dead in Delhi - 26 March 2013:

A prominent former politician has been shot dead outside his home in southern Delhi.  Deepak Bhardwaj, a former leader of the Bahunjan Samaj Party (BSP), was killed by two unidentified men at his farmhouse near Rajokri on the Delhi-Gurgaon border.  Mr Bhardwaj was also a successful businessman, with declared assets of more than $110m.

Kashmir troops ambushed by gunmen - 21 March 2013:

One Border Security Force (BSF) soldier has been killed and two others seriously wounded after their convoy was ambushed by gunmen in Indian-administered Kashmir.  The incident followed a similar attack on 13 March when five troops were killed by two armed militants. 

Six men arrested over rape of Swiss tourist - 18 March 2013:

Six men have been arrested in connection to the rape and robbery of a Swiss tourist in central India.  The woman was camping with her husband in woodland in the Datia district when they were attacked.

Gunmen kill five in Kashmir police camp - 13 March 2013:

Five Indian personnel have been killed after two militants attacked a police camp outside of Srinagar in Kashmir.  According to local media the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Protesters clash with Delhi police over child sex assault - 01 March 2013:

Protesters have clashed with police outside a hospital in Delhi after it was reported that a seven-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at a school in the city.  The girl's family said in a police complaint that she had been raped on Thursday afternoon at her primary school, which is run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

Triple blast leaves 11 dead in Hyderabad - 21 February 2013:

At least 11 people have been killed and some 50 others wounded after three bombs exploded in the southern city of Hyderabad.  The blasts, which occurred 30 minutes apart, were reported near a cinema and bus station in a bustling bazaar area of the city.

Indian army kill Pakistani soldier in Kashmir - 15 February 2013:

The Indian army has killed a Pakistani soldier in the disputed region of Kashmir.  The army said the soldier was killed when he crossed the border into Indian territory in the Nowshera sector.  Two Indian troops were also wounded in the exchange.

Three killed in Kashmir protests - 11 February 2013:

Three people have been killed during days of anti-government protests in India-controlled Kashmir.  The unrest was sparked by the hanging of a Kashmiri man convicted of the 2001 attack on India's parliament.

Police fire water cannon at Kerala protesters - 08 February 2013:

Indian riot police have fired water cannons at hundreds of protesters in the Indian state of Kerala.  The crowds have been demanding the resignation of a senior politician, who has been accused of raping a schoolgirl 17 years ago.

Maoist rebel kills seven paramilitary soldiers - 08 January 2013:

Seven paramilitary soldiers have been killed in a clash between Maoist rebels and Indian security  forces in the eastern state of Jharkhand.  A further nine soldiers were wounded in the incident, which reportedly lasted several hours.

Indian troops killed in Kashmir - 08 January 2013:

Two Indian soldiers have been shot dead near the Line of Control in Kashmir, according to Indian officials.  An army spokesman said that a patrol was attacked by Pakistani soldiers, a claim which has been denied by Pakistan.

India and Pakistan clash in Kashmir - 06 January 2013:

Troops from India and Pakistan have clashed in the disputed region of Kashmir, leading to the death of at least one soldier.  Pakistan claim that Indian troops raided a military post in the Haji Pir sector near the Line of Control.  India said that Pakistani shelling had destroyed a civilian house on its side of the border.

Police officer dies after Delhi rape rally - 24 December 2012: 

A police officer has died in hospital after suffering serious injuries during a violent protest over the rape of a woman in Delhi.  More than 100 people were wounded in the clashes, including some 60 police officers.  The rape victim remains in a critical condition following a brutal attack on a bus last week.

Congress holds mass rally in Delhi - 04 November 2012:

India's ruling Congress party have held a mass rally in New Delhi to gather support for controversial economic measures in the run-up to the 2014 parliamentary elections.  Tens of thousands gathered to hear the party head Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh defend a decision to open the retail sector to foreign companies.

Flooding in north-east kills 33 - 24 September 2012:

At least 33 people have been killed in flooding and landslides in the north-eastern states of Sikkim and Assam.  More than a million people have been displaced over the course of the last week; many of whom were left homeless by floods in July which killed more than 100 people.

Renewed violence in Assam state - 28 August 2012:

One person has been killed and five others wounded in fresh violence in India's Assam state.  Almost 100 people have died in fighting between indigenous tribes and Muslims since the start of July.

Manipur bomb blasts wound four - 16 August 2012:

Four people have been wounded after a series of bombs exploded in the north-eastern state of Manipur.  The three blasts were all reported during the Independence Day celebrations.

Authorities warn of terrorist threat in Gujarat - 06 August 2012:

The Indian Intelligence Bureau has warned that there will be a high terrorist threat in Gujarat state until 15 August.  Police are screening vehicles between Gujarat and Karnataka, while teams of the anti-terrorism squad have been deployed to the area.

Grid failure leaves half of India without power - 31 July 2012:

A failure at the northern and eastern grids cut has left more than half of India without power.  The problems, which began on Monday, have caused widespread travel disruptions in the affected regions.

Assam death toll rises to 32 as thousands flee - 25 July 2012:

At least 32 people have now been killed in ethnic violence in India's Assam state.  More than 170,000 are reported to have fled their homes following clashes between indigenous group and Muslim Bengali migrants.

Thousands flee rioting in Assam state - 23 July 2012:

Tens of thousands of people have fled the Indian state of Assam following rioting which left at least 17 people dead.  Over the weekend widespread clashes erupted between indigenous groups and Muslim Bengali migrants.

Police clash with protesters in Srinagar city - 25 June 2012:

Police have clashed with protesters in the Srinagar city in Kashmir, leaving at least 20 people with injuries.  The unrest started after a 200 year-old Sufi shrine in the city was destroyed by a fire, with protesters claiming that local authorities were slow to respond.

Soldier killed by Kashmir militants - 03 May 2012:

A soldier has been killed in an ambush by militants in Indian-administered Kashmir.  The soldier was shot dead in the Kishtawar district while searching for suspects linked to last year's Delhi high court bombing.

Five Kashmir rebels killed in clashes with government troops - 28 March 2012:

At least five suspected rebels have been killed by government forces in Kashmir, according to an Indian police chief.  One Indian soldier was wounded in the clashes.

Police killed by landmine in western India - 27 March 2012:

At least 15 police officers have been killed in a landmine explosion in the western state of Maharashtra.  Authorities have blamed Maoist rebels for the attack.

Italian nationals kidnapped by Maoist rebels - 18 March 2012:

Two Italian nationals have been kidnapped by suspected Maoist rebels in a remote area of Orissa state.  Local media have reported that the kidnappers have issues a series of demands, including the release of a number of political prisoners.

Protests in Kashmir after military 'accidentally' shoot dead man - 11 February 2012:

The funeral for a man shot dead "accidentally" by Indian troops in Kashmir turned violent yesterday.  Angry demonstrators blocked a main highway and clashed with police, who responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Israeli diplomats attacked in Delhi - 13 February 2012:

A car carrying Israeli officials has been targeted in a bomb attack outside of the embassy in New Delhi.  The wife of a senior diplomat suffered minor injuries in the blast.  

Manipur violence mars assembly elections - 30 January 2012:

Seven people have been killed following political violence in the north-eastern state of Manipur.  A suspected militant from the NSCN-IM group opened fire outside a polling station in the town of Tampi.

Landmine kills 12 police in Jharkhand - 22 January 2012:

A landmine has killed at least 12 police officers and wounded three others in the eastern state of Jharkhand.  Indian authorities claim that Maoist rebels were responsible for the attack.

Imphal festival bomb kills one, wounds two more - 30 November 2011:

A powerful bomb has exploded at the entrance of a festival in the East Imphal district of India, killing one person and wounding two others.  No group have taken responsibility for the attack.

Two Congress workers killed by Maoist rebels - 15 November 2011:

Maoist rebels have ended a ceasefire in West Bengal, killing two Triamool Congress supporters in Purulia and later claiming that: "The truce is over".  The rebels are demanding that the government withdraws all troops from the Junglemahal region.

Maoist rebels kidnap 15 workers in Bihar - 02 November 2011:

Suspected Maoist rebels have kidnapped 15 construction workers from the eastern state of Bihar.  Around 50 armed guerrillas were involved in the ambush at the site in Jamui district. 

Five injured in Kashmir grenade attack - 26 October 2011:

Five people have been injured in Kashmir after militants threw a grenade into a busy marketplace.  This follows similar grenade attacks yesterday which left four police officers wounded.

Armed police killed by landmine in Chhattisgarh - 08 October 2011:

Three members of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been killed after the vehicle they were travelling in hit a landmine in the restive state of Chhattisgarh.  Around 400 members of the SSB were in the process of withdrawing from the area following operations against Maoist rebels.

Seven killed as protesters clash with police in Tamil Nadu - 12 September 2011:

Seven people have been killed after police opened fire on a crowd of protesters in Tamil Nadu state.  The protesters, part of the Dalit party, had set fire to government buildings and setup roadblocks.

Delhi bombing kills nine - 07 September 2011:

At least nine people have been killed after a bomb exploded outside the Indian High Court in Delhi.  Another 45 people were injured in the blast, a number of them seriously.  No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack.

Arrest of anti-corruption activist sparks widespread protests - 16 August 2011:

The arrest of Anna Hazare, India's most prominent anti-corruption campaigner, has sparked widespread protests across India.  Police have responded to the unrest by arresting more than 1,300 people in Delhi alone.

Bomb kills five in north-eastern India - 01 August 2011:

At least five people have been killed after a bomb exploded at a market place in the north-eastern state of Manipur.  Twenty others were wounded in the explosion, which took place in the state capital Imphal.  No groups have taken responsibility for the attack.

Maoist rebels kill four in Chhattisgarh - 21 July 2011:

Maoist rebels have blown up a bridge in the central state of Chhattisgarh, killing four people and leaving another five with serious injuries.  The rebels also opened fire on two other vehicles on the bridge, one of which was carrying a senior local politician.

Multiple explosions cause numerous fatalities in Mumbai - 13 July 2011:

The Indian Government is blaming terrorists for the triple explosions that occurred today in the financial district of Mumbai.  During rush-hour, the explosions caused mayhem and at least 21 fatalities and over 100 injured.

Pro-Telangana students hold protests in Hyderbad - 07 July 2011:

Pro-Telangana students have held a series of protests at the Osmania University in Hyderbad.  Clashes erupted at the rally with students throwing stones at security forces, who responsded by firing tear gas and stun grenades into the crowds.

Maoists kill six police in Chhattisgarh - 27 June 2011:

Suspected Maoist rebels have killed six police officers in two separate attacks in the central state of Chhattisgarh.  A senior police official says that eight of the rebels were also killed in the clashes.

Manipur's agriculture minister targeted in bomb attack - 23 May 2011:

A bomb has exploded at the residence of Manipur's agriculture minister in Imphal.  No fatalities or injuries have been reported.

Police officers killed in Maoist mine attack - 18 May 2011:

At least seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)  officers have been killed after a mine attack by Maoist rebels in the central Chhattisgarh state.  The rebels attacked a police convoy on National Highway-221, close to the town of Sukma.

Protests in New Delhi over rising fuel prices - 16 May 2011:

Protesters have been demonstrating in the capital, New Delhi, over the rising cost of fuel in the country.  The protesters, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), blocked roads in the city which caused extensive traffic jams.

Five killed by Maoist rebels in Jharkhand - 15 May 2011:

Maoist rebels have killed five people in the Gumla district of Jharkhand.  According to police around 25 members of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) attacked a wedding party in the village of Lomki, killing five people who they suspected of being members of a rival political party.

Farmers protest spreads in Uttar Pradesh - 09 May 2011:

Protests by farmers has spread throughout the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.  Two police officers and one farmer have already been killed in clashes, which have been sparked by an alleged forced acquisition of land.

Rebels kill policemen in Jharkhand - 04 May 2011:

At least 11 Indian policemen have been killed by suspected Maoist rebels in the eastern state of Jharkhand.  The police were ambushed in a landmine attack and subsequent firefight in the Dhardhariya village.

Anti-nuclear protesters clash with police in western India - 19 April 2011:

Thousands of anti-nuclear protesters have clashed with police in Maharashtra state in western India.  A large group of demonstrators attacked a hospital and blocked a highway in the town of Ratnagiri and on Monday a protester was shot dead by police.  The unrest has been sparked by plans to build a nuclear power plant in a region prone to seismic activity.

Religious leader killed in Kashmir - 08 April 2011:

An improvised explosive device has killed a prominent religious leader outside of a mosque in Srinagar in the Indian-administered area of Kashmir.  The cleric, Maulana Showkat Ahmad Shah, had been targeted previously and although no group have claimed responsibility for the attack separatist militants are believed to be behind it.

BJP demonstrators clash with police in Rawatpur - 30 March 2011:

Hundreds of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protesters have clashed with riot police in the northern Uttar Pradesh state.  The activists were rallying against the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and a number of arrests were made.

Militants attack police in Kashmir city - 01 March 2011:

One person has been killed after militants threw a grenade at police in Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir.  This incident follows a series of attacks in the past week in which a truck driver and shop keeper were shot dead.

WWF officials kidnapped in Indian national park - 07 February 2011:

Six World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) officials have been kidnapped from Manas national park in north-eastern India.  Around 20 armed gunmen are believed to have carried out the attack, which came shortly after an announcement by the Bodo tribal groups to renew their campaign for a separate state.

Ten killed in tribal clashes - 08 January 2011:

At least 10 people have been killed and thousands more displaced by ethnic violence in the north-east of the country.

Police search Mumbai for suspected Pakistani militants - 24 December 2010:

Police are searching Mumbai for four suspected Pakistani militants suspected of planning a terrorist attack in the city.  The police have claimed that the militants were belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group which carried out the deadly attacks in 2008.

Explosion in holy city of Varanasi - 07 December 2010:

An explosion has injured at least 20 people in the holy city of Varansi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.  The blast took place at a 'ghat' worshipping point on the banks of the River Ganges.

Data

India Data Sheet

 

Population: 1.21 billion

Major Religion/s: : Hinduism (80.5%), Christianity, Islam, Sikhism

International dialling code: +91

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: Police 100, Medical 102, Fire 101

Drives: Left

Voltage: 230V

Climate: Humid subtropical in the north, tropical in the south

Other Major Cities: Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad

Borders: Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan


Mobile Networks:

For more information visit:

 

Orange:

http://business.orange.co.uk/home/soletrader/plans/roaming-and-international-plans/international-cost-checker

 

Vodafone:

 http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispatch/Portal/appmanager/vodafone/wrp?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=templateCClamp&pageID=OS_1110

 

O2:

 http://www.o2international.co.uk/

 

T-Mobile:

 http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/services/going-abroad/

Journalists Under Attack

Journalists Under Attack

Media Safety

Media Safety

Security News

Security News