India 2020 Crime & Safety Report: New Delhi

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the Indian states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Union Territories of Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s India country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses most of India at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk: do not travel to the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir due to terrorism and civil unrest; and do not travel to within ten kilometers of the border with Pakistan due to the potential for armed conflict. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed New Delhi as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Crimes do occur, but they rarely target foreigners. New Delhi’s largest concern of crime toward foreigners continues to be the verbal and physical harassment of women. A handful of U.S. citizens reported incidents of verbal and physical harassment to the Embassy. Although most victims have been local residents, attacks against female visitors in tourist areas underline the fact that foreign women are also at risk and should exercise vigilance and situational awareness. Review OSAC’s Report, Resources for Female Travelers & Personnel - New Delhi (India) Consular District.

Petty crimes (e.g. pickpocketing, purse snatching) are very common on public transport and roads. Theft of U.S. passports is also common, particularly in major tourist areas, on trains, at airports, and metro/train stations. Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, but leave your passport in a safe place. Be aware of being bumped or pushed. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Before entering an underground pedestrian crosswalk, be aware of who is around. Be alert for gangs of youths, con artists, and beggars, including disabled persons.

Be wary of unexpected persons coming to your hotel room. Never open the door to unsolicited room service or maintenance personnel. Contact the front desk if you have any doubts. Leave valuables and important papers secured in your hotel's safe deposit box. Make sure to give luggage only to a member of the hotel's bell staff, and to secure a receipt. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

If you schedule a meeting with a potential client, research the company and the individual with whom you are meeting. Meet in a public place.

Criminals sometimes attempt to drug drinks in order to steal money and possessions or conduct sexual assaults. U.S. travelers have received drugged drinks or tainted food in an effort to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. When in a bar/restaurant, keep a close watch over your drink, and do not accept a drink from anyone you do not know/trust. Even food or drink purchased from a canteen or vendor could be tainted. Review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Cybersecurity Issues

Theft of financial information and identity theft have become significant concerns. The diplomatic community has numerous instances of local bank account compromise. Advance fee fraud schemes are common in India, and instances of ATM skimmers have been reported. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Travel by road is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths, which have included U.S. citizens. Traffic travels on the left and often does not stop for pedestrians, even in marked pedestrian crossings; therefore, it is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark. Try to use only vehicles that have seatbelts, which are uncommon in taxis. Always wear helmets on motorcycles and bicycles.

People drive erratically. If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of retributive mob violence. These attacks pose a significant risk of injury/death to the vehicle's occupants and impounding of the vehicle. If it is unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident, try to reach the nearest police station.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, exceeding 30 mg per 100ml of blood detected by a breath analyzer (.03 BAC equivalent), is punishable under Indian law.

When driving, strictly obey traffic regulations and carry your registration and license. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Indians use public transportation extensively. Buses and metro rail are the cheapest, most frequently used means of public transportation. When using public transportation, always exercise caution with your bags and refrain from sharing details of your identity and travel plans. If you take public transportation in rush hour or visit crowded places, hold your bag in front of you. Scam artists often use major airports, train stations, metro stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites to prey on visitors, often creating a distraction to accomplish their goals.

Interstate trains are safer than buses, but train accidents do occur more frequently than in other countries, especially at night. Theft aboard trains along popular tourist routes is common. Criminals can drug food/drink offered to passengers. Where possible, lock your compartment. If you must sleep, position your luggage so that you would awaken if someone attempted to tamper with it. Alert authorities if you feel threatened. Extra police often ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem. Review OSAC’s report, Travelers’ Guide to Indian Transportation Security.

Always use a commercial or official taxi/bus service. Travelers have fallen victim to nefarious activity that often occurs in unregulated buses/taxis. Do not enter any vehicle carrying unfamiliar passengers. Use pre-paid taxis, as the Delhi Traffic Police govern the system. In this system, you pay in advance for taxi fare, pre-approved by Delhi Transport Authority for each destination. When you are in the car, sit in the rear seat, lock the doors from the inside, and do not allow the driver to accept additional passengers. Beware of taxi drivers and train porters who lure travelers by offering cheap transportation to a destination. Obtain taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. Never take advice from taxi drivers regarding your stay/tour. Web-based taxi services like Ola and Uber are popular in India. If you decide to use one of these web-based services, verify the license plate of the vehicle before you enter it. It is not uncommon for other vehicles and drivers to attempt to steal fares. Become familiar with your web-based application for the service you choose, as many have emergency help options.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Contact the "May I help you" counter in the airport Arrival Hall for help and guidance. Adequate coverage by uniformed police patrols outside the arrival hall and in the parking area. In addition, police officers in plain clothes also keep watch on suspicious activity. You can contact the nearest police officer to report any undesirable element.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed New Delhi as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities that can affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Terror attacks have targeted public places (e.g. hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, restaurants in large urban areas) including some Westerners frequent. Attacks have generally occurred during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but they could occur any time.

Anti-Western terrorist groups, including some appearing on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations (e.g. Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba,) are active.

The Department of State strongly recommends avoiding travel to Jammu & Kashmir because of a high potential for terrorist incidents and violent public unrest. The U.S. government prohibits its employees from traveling to Jammu & Kashmir without permission; the U.S. Embassy grants permission only in exceptional circumstances. A number of terrorist groups target security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian- and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley (e.g. Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam). Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. Serious communal violence left the state mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and local police have had to evacuate U.S. citizens in harm’s way.

Maoists (“Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. Naxalites typically attack government officials/buildings, destroy public institutions (derailing rail lines), and sometimes kidnap foreigners. While they are responsible for more terrorist attacks in India than any other organization, they have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens or foreigners. However, there is a risk that visitors could become unintended victims of indiscriminate targeting. Naxalites operate mostly in remote areas: a large swath from eastern Maharashtra and northern Andhra Pradesh through western West Bengal; in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand states; and in border regions of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Orissa states. Due to the fluid nature of the Naxalite threat, the U.S. Embassy requires all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity to receive prior authorization from the Regional Security Office. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Occasional violence targeting U.S. facilities can occur. Maintain respect and sensitivity to others’ political and religious views.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed New Delhi as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Demonstrations and general strikes (bandh) often cause inconvenience. In the last year, India has seen a number of demonstrations in response to controversial government actions, such as the approval of the Citizenship Amendment Act and Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act of 2019. Widespread demonstrations often result in periodic interruption of internet and telephone services across India. Public transit and ground and air traffic are occasionally affected. While most demonstrators are peaceful, it is not uncommon for police and a minority of demonstrators to clash, resulting in injuries and a few reported deaths. Travelers should monitor their local media for demonstrations in their areas and avoid them. U.S. citizens should not participate in or otherwise attend demonstrations in India. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

The Department of State recommends avoiding travel within ten kilometers of the India-Pakistan border. Both countries maintain a strong military presence along the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but confirm the status prior to commencing travel. You must have a Pakistani visa to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. The Pakistani government requires that U.S. citizens resident in India must first come to the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to sign an affidavit of intent to apply for the Pakistani visa before submitting their application. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

India and Pakistan each claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen Glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Religious violence occurs occasionally, especially political/non-political groups purposefully aggravate tensions between religious communities.

Vigilantes have attacked and killed foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus in conservative, rural areas. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Authorities occasionally impose curfews/restrict travel. Obey curfews and travel restrictions and avoid demonstrations and rallies, as they all have the potential for violence.

Post-specific Concerns

Restricted Areas

The Indian government designates certain parts of India as "restricted areas" and requires special advance permission to visit. These areas include:

Portions of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border;

Portions of Uttarakhand near the Chinese border;

Portions of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border;

Portions of Jammu & Kashmir near the LOC with Pakistan and portions of Ladakh;

Portions of Arunachal Pradesh;

Portions of Manipur;

Portions of Mizoram;

Portions of Nagaland;

Portions of Sikkim;

Portions of the Andaman and Nicobar Island; and

All areas of Lacadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands.

Find more information on travel to restricted/protected areas at India’s Bureau of Immigration website. “Restricted Area Permits" are available at Indian Embassies/Consulates abroad or from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi that can issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states to certain travelers.

Exercise caution while visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, as the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

Environmental Hazards

Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehradun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. At a slightly lower risk is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu & Kashmir, eastern Punjab, Haryana, northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal; New Delhi is located in this zone.

Severe flooding is common in Bihar, Assam, and Orissa. With heavy rainfall, there is a potential for flooding in the rural mountainous areas.

North India can also have extreme weather conditions. The temperature in Delhi varies from 46 degree Celsius (115 F) in summer to less than 4 degree Celsius (39 F) in winter, with heavy to modest rainfall.

Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones), in India. Indians who wish to use drones for commercial purposes must register the drone and receive a permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Indian customs prohibit the import and possession of satellite phones and ammunition. Some foreign travelers have been arrested and prosecuted for possession of these prohibited items on arrival to or departure from India. Review OSAC’s report, Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft

India has a mixed record on intellectual property rights; some individuals and firms have engaged in infringement. Police view these criminal allegations as a low priority. There is an abundance of software and music piracy, and concerns in the pharmaceuticals and agricultural industries. Licensing policies typically favor the country’s generic drug manufacturers over multinational suppliers.

Privacy Concerns

India’s Constitution does not guarantee a right to privacy for foreigners or Indian citizens. However, in August 2017, a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India ruled unanimously that privacy was an inviolable right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the protection of life and liberty of an individual.

Personal Identity Concerns

Women have been subject to targeting of sexual harassment and assaults in India, and should be careful when traveling, maintain heightened awareness, and maintain strong personal security habits. Women should not travel alone. Women should observe stringent security precautions (e.g. avoiding using public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding walking in isolated areas alone at any time of day). Women should also ensure their hotel room numbers remain confidential, and insist the doors of their hotel rooms have chains, deadlocks, and peepholes. Women should hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially during the hours of darkness. Review OSAC’s report, Female Personnel & Traveler Security in India, and the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

In September 2018, the Supreme Court of India struck down a colonial-era section of the Indian Penal Code, which had criminalized same-sex relations. The LGBT community still faces discrimination and violence in many sectors of society, particularly in rural regions. A significant amount of homophobia remains among the Indian populace, with around half of Indians objecting to same-sex relationships. Crimes against the LGBT community are frequent. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing, Indian law requires you to have a missionary visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are legal under Indian law. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crimes

Narcotic-related violence is infrequent, but there is a significant amount of drug trafficking through the Pakistan-India-Myanmar route. Drugs (e.g. cocaine, amphetamines) are commonly used and are widely available. These drugs are frequently found at rave parties among those in higher social strata. Foreign criminal elements have distributed methamphetamine widely in New Delhi and it is becoming an issue throughout India.

Kidnapping Threat

There has been an uptick in kidnapping for ransom. These kidnappings are not based on nationality, but rather due to the victim’s perceived wealth. The majority of kidnappings involve Indian citizens, but on occasion, foreign nationals of South Asian decent have been kidnapped. Kidnappings of children and women in the local community are common. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics

Police Response

The emergency line for police is 100. Access emergency number 112 from mobile phones. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

The ratio of police officers to citizens is approximately 141:100,000, well below the worldwide average of 350:100,000. With the population of Delhi well over 21 million and a density of over 29,000 people per square mile, policing is a difficult task. While the numbers of reported incidents increase every year, many more go unreported. There is a common perception that the police are corrupt and cannot be trusted. In some cases, police officers are involved in crime or are bribed to turn a blind eye. Many victims do not go to the police for fear of persecution and harassment. Even those who witness crimes avoid getting involved in a judicial process that is painfully slow, inconvenient, and ineffective. These practices, and a lack of basic equipment and formalized training for patrol officers, have corroded public confidence, and there is no certainty of punishment for criminals.

If involved with local law enforcement for any reason, comply with their requests but contact the U.S. Embassy and ask to speak to a representative from American Citizen Services.

Immediately report the theft/loss of a passport to the police in the location where it was stolen and obtain a copy of the report. The Indian government requires a FIR (First Information Report) in order to obtain an exit visa if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the U.S. Embassy/Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process can take three to four working days. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report.

Medical Emergencies

The emergency number for ambulance service is 102. If you purchase a cellphone number in one city and intend to use it in another city, you will have to prefix the city code before calling. An English-speaking dispatcher may not be available.

For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Air pollution is a critical concern due to wood and biomass burning, fuel adulteration, vehicle emission, and traffic congestion. In autumn and winter months, large-scale crop burning in agriculture fields -- a low-cost alternative to mechanical tilling -- is a major source of smoke, smog, and particulate pollution. To learn more about the Air Quality Index and risks caused by airborne pollution, visit the EPA’s Air Now website.

The quality of medical care varies considerably. Medical care that approaches and occasionally meets Western standards is available in the major population centers, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the Internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care is highly variable. People seeking health care should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the U.S. and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from CDC. Review OSAC’s report, Medical Tourism Surging.

Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be higher than 20,000 feet; make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to assure that you are fit to trek and cycle at these altitudes. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling in High Altitude.

You cannot assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctor and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not go with you when you travel, it is a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for India.

OSAC Country Council Information

The New Delhi Country Council meets quarterly. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s South & Central Asia team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy New Delhi - Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021

American Center - 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 0900-1700

Tel: +(91) (11) 2419-8000

Website: http://in.usembassy.gov

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts In India