India

India faces militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, ethnic conflict in Manipur, a Maoist insurgency in parts of the centre and east, and volatile tension along the Pakistan border with sporadic cross-border fire. The main cities are outside armed conflict.

There is a real terrorism threat, most acute in Jammu and Kashmir, where groups target security forces and have attacked tourist areas, and periodic attacks occur elsewhere. Crowded places, transport and religious sites warrant vigilance.

Kidnapping of travellers is uncommon outside Jammu and Kashmir and conflict-affected areas, where terrorists have abducted foreigners. Express kidnapping and abduction linked to scams occur rarely, and normal caution suffices in the main areas.

Everyday crime is mainly petty theft, scams, fraud and overcharging in tourist areas, with lower violent crime against visitors overall, but risks to women travellers, including harassment and assault, require particular care, especially at night and in less-touristed areas.

Road-traffic accidents are a leading hazard, rail and domestic air travel vary in safety, and the restricted regions constrain movement. Distances are large, and travel is best planned with reputable operators and internal flights.

Excellent private healthcare is available in the major cities and is a medical-tourism destination, but care is variable elsewhere. Severe seasonal air pollution in the north, food and water illness, and mosquito-borne diseases are the main health concerns.

India is exceptionally diverse across religion, language and custom, and communal and political topics can be highly sensitive. Modest dress at religious sites, respect for local customs, and care around religious and political discussion are advisable.

Same-sex relations were decriminalised in 2018 and urban attitudes are increasingly open, but same-sex marriage is not recognised and social attitudes remain conservative in many areas. Discretion is advisable, particularly outside major cities.

Landmine and unexploded-ordnance contamination is present along parts of the India-Pakistan border and Line of Control. The risk is concentrated in border areas, which are restricted, and travellers must not enter uncleared border ground.

India is a stable democracy and major power with functioning institutions and good consular access, though communal and political tensions and periodic large protests occur. Governance is robust and the main risks to visitors are regional and everyday rather than systemic.

Online fraud, scams and card cloning are common, and the authorities impose internet shutdowns during unrest, among the most frequent in the world. Travellers should guard financial data and expect disruption in unrest-affected areas.