Security Overview for India

The operating environment in India can be complex due to environmental factors, transport issues, and myriad security challenges, including crime, civil unrest, and terrorism. The severity of these problems varies tremendously by location. Street crime is a concern in all urban areas, but most places are relatively safe if one observes common sense security precautions.

Civil unrest is a serious concern throughout India, and protests over social, religious, political, and economic issues are common. Some protests can degenerate into rioting, particularly those that inflame sectarian tensions. This can be a problem throughout the country, but the threat to foreign interests is generally low. Strikes and protests sometimes target multinationals. These events may cause operational disruptions, but violence against employees is uncommon. Shutdowns that disrupt transport networks can affect business continuity, however.

Terrorism is another major problem. India ranks very highly in terms of the number of documented terrorist attacks per annum, although many of these incidents are the work of Maoist insurgents and separatist militants. These types of attacks rarely affect foreigners, but bombings and other terror strikes attributed to domestic and transnational Islamist extremist groups pose a threat in urban areas, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. To date, Islamist extremist networks have not engaged in a concerted effort to directly target multinational corporations, but the IT sector and prominent hotel chains are perceived to be potential targets. Terror plots have also been exposed or bombings have occurred in tourist centers such as Goa, Agra, and Jaipur. Terrorism warnings occur frequently, and bomb threats are common, especially after major attacks.

Avoiding Jammu & Kashmir State is advisable. Politically motivated unrest and terrorism - mostly directed at Indian security forces - are serious, ongoing problems. Northeastern states in the "Seven Sisters" region are also prone to significant separatist violence. The situation has generally improved since the 1990s, but some rural areas may be dangerous, particularly in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura states. Many bombings have occurred in urban centers in the region, including Guwahati and Imphal, but security is tighter in these cities compared to rural areas where the military or law enforcement presence may be inadequate. While most separatist violence is anti-government in nature, civilian and corporate interests are at risk, including the tea, petroleum, and trucking sectors.

Violence by Maoist insurgents is another longstanding problem in rural, underdeveloped areas of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, northern Karnataka, eastern Maharashtra, and eastern Utter Pradesh. Few foreigners are present in these areas, but attacks on politicians, security personnel, trains, buses, rail infrastructure, and Indian corporate entities occur regularly. Senior government officials have described the Maoist insurgency as India's most serious internal threat to national security.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.