Safety in India

Given its immense size and diversity, India's general level of safety varies. As an expat, you will likely be concerned about your safety in India, but you'll most likely only encounter issues related to petty crime, road safety and sanitation.

There are ongoing issues related to sectarian violence and terrorism, but expats are not often directly affected – although there have been occasions when areas known to be frequented by expats have been targeted.

Transport safety in India

Road safety is a major concern in India. Reckless taxi and motorcycle drivers account for many accidents, while bus and train accidents are also fairly common.

Pickpockets also target passengers on public transport, so keep a close eye on your belongings. New regulations now require mandatory safety training for drivers and regular vehicle inspections to ensure passenger safety.

Sea travel poses safety concerns as well, given that tourist boats frequently fail to carry lifesaving equipment like life jackets. The government has implemented stricter regulations for vessel safety and crew training. It’s best to check the safety regulations tour operators and travel companies provide.

Food safety in India

Poor hygiene standards and disease are concerns for expats in India, and health advisories recommend increased caution regarding food and water. Authorities have started monitoring food establishments more intensely to ensure compliance with hygiene standards, particularly in tourist areas.

A common affliction for newly arrived expats and travellers is ‘Delhi belly’, which refers to stomach problems caused by food-borne parasites. Recent outbreaks of food-borne diseases, including Salmonella and E. coli, have prompted health officials to issue alerts. 

To avoid waterborne illnesses, it’s advisable to consume only bottled or boiled water. You should also request no ice when ordering drinks at restaurants, as the ice blocks may have been made with contaminated water.

Local authorities have implemented training programmes for food handlers to ensure proper food safety practices.

Useful links

• WHO: Food Safety
• FSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

Crime in India

Petty crime is rampant in India, and you will more likely be exposed to this than violent crime. As an expat, you'll typically stick out in a crowd and often be an easy target for pickpocketing, overcharging and small-scale scams.

There have also been reports of people being robbed or assaulted while riding in taxis or rickshaws. It’s best to take prepaid taxis and avoid those already carrying passengers.

Women should be particularly cautious about travelling alone, especially at night, and dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention, as sexual assaults on foreign women have been known to happen across India. We recommend contacting the authorities in the event of this, including the police and your home country’s embassy in India.

Useful links

• UK Government Travel Advice
• US State Department Travel Advisory

Terrorism in India

The threat of terrorism in India remains a concern, especially in major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai – terrorists have previously targeted areas popular with foreigners. Security has been stepped up in major cities as a result.

Certain parts of India are frequently plagued with sectarian violence that has little to do with expats. The most notable examples are in the northern regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Violence is unpredictable, but there is a risk of bombings, shootings, and kidnappings.

Major foreign offices advise against travelling to some other areas, including the border with Pakistan and the state of Manipur. We recommend you check with your embassy which areas to avoid in India.

Be vigilant around public holidays and days of religious significance. By keeping up to date with the news and following government travel warnings, you should be able to avoid any problems.

Protests in India

Protests related to political and socioeconomic issues are common in India and often affect service delivery and transport. In recent years, several issues have sparked significant protests, including ethnic violence, farmers’ rights, student protests and civil rights protests. Large gatherings are especially common in India’s northeastern regions, where ethnic tensions are high.

Violence at such gatherings has been known to happen. Indian security forces frequently respond with heavy-handed tactics, including the use of tear gas and physical barriers. There is growing discourse among Indians about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting the right to protest.

We advise expats to steer clear of all protest actions and abide by any state and national regulations imposed.