India | Asia

India is located in South Asia, bordering Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. It is the world's most populous nation and the seventh-largest country by land area. The capital is New Delhi, and the largest financial hub is Mumbai.

History & Culture

India’s history spans over five millennia, from the Indus Valley Civilization to the British Raj and its subsequent independence in 1947. In 2026, the nation is actively preparing for its 80th Independence Day and the U.S.-India 250th collaborative cultural exchanges. The culture is a mosaic of 22 official languages and thousands of dialects. Primary religious affiliations are Hindu (79.8%), Muslim (14.2%), Christian (2.3%), and Sikh (1.7%). Social etiquette emphasizes hospitality ("Atithi Devo Bhava"), hierarchical respect, and a standard 10–15% tipping practice in urban centers.

Language & Communication

Hindi and English are the official languages for federal government business. English is the primary language for higher education, law, and the corporate sector. Major regional languages include Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Gujarati. Regional accents vary significantly, but "Indian English" is a recognized global dialect characterized by unique idioms and a syllable-timed rhythm.

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 1.46 billion. In 2026, India is the world's fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP (approx. $4.5 trillion) and third by PPP. GDP per capita (nominal) is approximately $3,050 USD. The economy is driven by services (55%), industry (28%), and agriculture (17%). India is the "pharmacy of the world," supplying 20% of global generic medicines. Real GDP growth for 2026 is projected at 6.6%, fueled by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in semiconductors and electric vehicles.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 2026, an e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign nationals and must be completed 72 hours before arrival (replacing paper forms entirely by March 2026). Most travelers require an e-Visa or a regular sticker visa; OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are exempt. Biometric enrollment is standard at all 30+ designated international airports. Customs enforcement is strict regarding satellite phones and restricted wildlife items.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Digital payments are dominant via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which allows instant mobile transfers using QR codes-now widely used even by street vendors. Card acceptance (Visa/Mastercard/RuPay) is universal in cities. Cash remains necessary in rural areas and for small local transactions. ATM networks are dense but may have daily withdrawal limits for foreign cards.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is anchored by the world's fourth-largest rail network; in 2026, the Vande Bharat high-speed trains have expanded to cover all major state capitals. Domestic aviation is the third-largest globally, with over 150 operational airports. In 2026, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is fully operational, reducing travel time to 12 hours. Urban transit is defined by rapidly expanding Metro Rail systems in 20+ cities.

Digital Infrastructure

India is a global leader in digital public infrastructure (the "India Stack"). By late 2026, the country aims for 100% 5G coverage. Mobile data costs remain among the lowest in the world. Major providers are Jio, Airtel, and Vi. In 2026, the government is focusing on the "BharatNet" phase III to provide high-speed fiber to all 250,000 village councils (Gram Panchayats).

Climate & Seasonality

India experiences three main seasons: Summer (March–June), Monsoon (July–September), and Winter (October–February). In 2026, climate patterns are influenced by a neutralizing ENSO phase, following a weak La Niña that brought higher-than-average winter rainfall to the North. High-altitude regions like Ladakh and Sikkim face extreme cold and road closures from December to April.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from infected areas. Polio vaccination is required for travelers from specific countries. Water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases (Dengue, Malaria) are risks in tropical regions. Air quality remains a significant concern in the Indo-Gangetic Plain during winter months. The emergency number is 112.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

National Capital Region (Gov/Service/IT): Hub city is New Delhi.

The West Coast (Finance/Film/Trade): Hub city is Mumbai.

The South (IT/Aerospace/Edu): Hub cities are Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: ₹20 ($0.24 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: ₹180–350 ($2.15–$4.20 USD)

1 Sim Card (Daily 2GB Data): ₹300 ($3.60 USD) per month

Facts & Legends

India is the birthplace of four major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. A prominent folk legend is the "Nale Ba" of Karnataka, a spirit said to knock on doors at night. The "Magnetic Hill" in Ladakh is a famous gravity hill where vehicles appear to roll uphill. Additionally, the Ram Sethu (Adam’s Bridge) remains a site of geological and mythological debate, with recent 2026 underwater surveys continuing to investigate its origins.