Today India is a hotbed of technological advances and home to one of the largest technically trained workforce in the world. Along side this modern India lies a culturally diverse and historically rich India with its myriad hues and textures, tradition and customs, yogis and thinkers. The cradle of the one of the oldest civilizations in the world, India is situated on a peninsula extending into the Indian Ocean, with the Arabian Sea to the West and Bay of Bengal to the east. Separated from the rest of Asia by the snow bound peaks of the Himalayas in the north, India is roughly a third of the land mass of the United States. India is a land of fertile river valleys carved by rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, along the banks of which much of Indian civilization flourished. Tropical rainforests, blistering hot deserts and breathtakingly beautiful coastline form the rest of the exotic country. India is also one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world.

General Information

Area:                         3,287,263 sq km (1,269,219 sq miles).
Population:                1,027,015,247 (2001).
Population Density:    324 per sq km.
Capital:                     New Delhi.

Geography: 
India shares borders to the northwest with Pakistan, to the north with China, Nepal and Bhutan, and to the east with Bangladesh and Myanmar. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, to the east the Bay of Bengal and to the south the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka lies off the southeast coast, and the Maldives off the southwest coast. The far northeastern states and territories are all but separated from the rest of India by Bangladesh as it extends northwards from the Bay of Bengal towards Bhutan. The Himalayan mountain range to the north and the Indus River (west) and Ganges River (east) form a physical barrier between India and the rest of Asia. The country can be divided into five regions: Western, Central, Northern, Eastern and Southern.

Government: 
Republic since 1947. 
Head of State: President APJ Abdul Kalam. 
Head of Government: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

India is a federal republic with certain powers reserved to the 25 states. There are 6 Union Territories (Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Chandigarh; Dadra and Nagar Havel;Daman and Diu; Lakshadweep; and Pondicherry), which are governed from Delhi. Central government comprises a bicameral parliament and a  cabinet of ministers. Each of the states also has an elected assembly. The bicameral national parliament consists of the lower house, the Lok Sabha, which has 542 members popularly elected for a five-year term and the upper house, the Rajya Sabha, which has 245 members indirectly elected by the state assemblies to serve six years. The head of state is the president, while executive power is vested in the prime minister who is the head of the cabinet and is normally the leader of the largest party in the Lok Sabha.

Language: 
The official language is Hindi which is spoken by about 30 per cent of the population; English is used for official and commercial purposes. In addition, 17 regional languages are recognised by the Constitution. These include Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati and Oriya which are widely used in the north and Tamil and Telugu which are common in the south. Other regional languages are Marathi, Kannada and Malayalam. The Muslim population largely speak Urdu.

Religion: 
80 per cent of the Indian population are Hindus, 11 per cent Muslim with Sikh, Christian and Buddhist minorities.

Time: GMT 5.30.

History:
Indian civilization can be traced back to at least 2500 BC, although the ancient civilizations did not encompass the whole of India as it is known today. The first known civilization settled along the Indus River in what is now Pakistan. This, however, collapsed around 1500 BC. Between 521 and 486 BC, under Darius, the area became part of the Persian Empire. Alexander the Great arrived in India in 326 BC, but did not venture beyond the boundaries of the Persian Empire, which only extended as far as the Indus. India's two great religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, had already been developed by then. Various dynasties followed, the last of which was the Gupta Empire (AD 319-606). 

The invasion of the White Huns brought all this to an end, and northern India became fragmented, and was only reunified with the arrival of Muslims from the west. During this time, the south had been trading by sea with the Romans and Egyptians. It took some time for Muslim forces to forge a permanent presence in northern India: in the late 12th century, Muhammad of Ghori, who had built a power base in what is now the Punjab, rapidly expanded eastwards. His conquests led to the establishment of Delhi as a major centre of political power and ultimately its position as the Indian capital. The next major influx after the Muslims was by the Moghuls, who swept over the mountain passes from Central Asia in the 1520s and maintained effective control of the north until the mid-18th century. 

The peak of Moghul influence came in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During the time of the British conquest, at the end of the 18th century, the Moghul Empire was already in severe decline. The British, motivated by trade and geopolitics, managed to take effective control of the whole sub-continent using the telegraph and the railways - both of which they built - as their main instruments of control. The many and varied provinces of India were, for the first time, administered by a single, albeit alien power. The indigenous campaign for independence began with the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, but it made little progress until after the end of World War I, when Mahatma Gandhi led the Congress and began the policy of non-cooperation with the British. 

The colonial authorities were gradually persuaded that reforms were needed, but the Congress itself was split on a key issue - the Muslims, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, claimed a separate homeland in provinces such as the Punjab and East Bengal, where they formed a majority of the population, but Gandhi wanted India to be a unified and secular state. Jinnah's view, supported by the last Governor-General, Earl Mountbatten, prevailed and in August 1947, the independent states of India and Pakistan came into being. 

India has developed a broadly secular polity which has served fairly well. Since independence Indian politics has been dominated  by the Nehru family: Jawaharlal ('Pandit') was the first Prime Minister; then came his daughter, Indira Gandhi (one of the modern world's first woman leaders); and finally her son, Rajiv Gandhi. Their political power was exercised through the Congress Party, which has governed India for most of the time since independence. The party has been known as Congress (I) following a split in the original Congress during the 1970s. Mrs Gandhi held office in several different parliaments until October 1984, when she was assassinated. Rajiv Gandhi took over immediately afterwards. Under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Bharatiya Janata Party steadily improved its position throughout the 1990s to the point where, following the most recent poll in October 1999, it had sufficient strength to put together a stable coalition government.


Social Profile

Food and Drink: 
The unforgettable aroma from India is not just the heavy scent of jasmine and roses in its warm air, it is also the fragrance of spices so important to Indian cooking - especially in the preparation of a curry. The word 'curry' is an English derivative of kari, meaning spice sauce, but curry does not, in India, come as a powder. It is the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed. Like an artist's palette of oil paints, the Indian cooking has some 25 spices (freshly grinded as required) with which one mixes the recognised combinations or masalas. Many of these spices are also noted for their medicinal properties and the basic ingredients vary from region to region. 

Although not all Hindus are vegetarians, vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in southern India. Broadly speaking, meat dishes are more common in the north, notably, Rogan Josh (curried lamb), Gushtaba (spicy meat balls in yoghurt) and the delicious Biryani (chicken or lamb in orange-flavoured rice, sprinkled with sugar and rose water). Mughlai cuisine is rich, creamy, deliciously spiced and liberally sprinkled with nuts and saffron. The ever-popular Tandoori cooking (chicken, meat or fish marinated in herbs and baked in a clay oven) and kebabs are also northern cuisine. In the south, curries are mainly vegetable and inclined to be hotter. Specialities to look out for are Bhujia (vegetable curry), Dosa, Idli and Sambar (rice pancakes, dumplings with pickles, and vegetable and lentil curry), and Raitas (yoghurt with grated cucumber and mint). Coconut is a major ingredient of southern Indian cooking. On the west coast there is a wide choice of fish and shellfish: Mumbai duck (curried or fried bombloe fish) and pomfret (Indian salmon) are just two of many varieties available out here. Another specialty is the Parsi Dhan Sak (lamb or chicken cooked with curried lentils) and Vindaloo. Fish is also a feature of Bengali cooking as in Dahi Maach (curried fish in yoghurt flavoured with turmeric and ginger) and Malai (curried prawn with coconut). 

One regional distinction is that, whereas in the south rice is the staple food, in the north this is supplemented and sometimes substituted by a wide range of flat breads, such as Pooris, Chapatis and Naan. Common throughout India is Dal (crushed lentil soup with various additional vegetables), and Dahi, the curd or yoghurt which accompanies the curry. Besides being tasty, it is a good 'cooler'; more effective than liquids when things get too hot. 

Sweets are principally milk-based puddings, pastries and pancakes. Available throughout India is Kulfi, the Indian ice cream, Rasgullas (cream cheese balls flavoured with rose water), Gulab Jamuns (flour, yoghurt and ground almonds), and Jalebi (pancakes in syrup). Besides a splendid choice of sweets and sweetmeats, there is an abundance of fruit, both tropical - mangoes, pomegranates and melons - and temperate - apricots, apples and strawberries. Western confectionery is available in major centres. It is common to finish the meal by chewing Pan as a digestive. Pan is a betel leaf in which are wrapped spices such as aniseed and cardamom. 

Besides the main dishes, there are also countless irresistible snacks available on every street corner, such as Samosa, Fritters, Dosa and Vada. For the more conservative visitor, Western cooking can always be found. Indeed, the best styles of cooking from throughout the world can be experienced in the major centres in India. 

Tea (or chai) is India's favourite drink and many of the varieties are enjoyed throughout the world. It will often come ready-brewed with milk and sugar unless 'tray tea' is specified. Coffee is increasingly popular. Nimbu Pani (lemon drink), Lassi (iced buttermilk) and coconut milk straight from the nut are cool and refreshing. Soft drinks (usually sweet) and bottled water are widely available, as are Western alcoholic drinks. There is a huge variety of excellent Indian beer. There is also good Indian-made gin, rum, brandy and wine. Bottled water, essential for visitors, is sold everywhere in India, but make sure the bottles are properly sealed. 

Restaurants have table service and, depending on area and establishment, will serve alcohol with meals. Most Western-style hotels have licensed bars. Visitors will be issued All India Liquor Permits on request by Indian Embassies/High Commissions, Missions or Tourist Offices. Various states impose prohibition but this may change; check with the Tourist Office for up-to-date information. In almost all big cities in India certain days in the week are observed as dry days when the sale of liquor is not permitted. Tourists may check with the nearest local tourist office for the prohibition laws/rules prevailing in any given state where they happen to be traveling or intend to travel.

Clothing: 
To a visitor, one of the powerful attractions in India is the colourful and diversified attire of its people. The silk saris, brightly mirrored cholis, colorful lehangas, and the traditional salwar-kameez have fascinated many a visitor. Though the majority of Indian women wear traditional costumes, the men in India can be found in more conventional western clothing. Indian dressing styles are marked by many variations, both religious and regional, and one is likely to witness a plethora of colors, textures and styles in garments worn.

Nightlife: 
India has generally little nightlife as the term is understood in the West, although in major cities a few Western-style shows, clubs and discotheques are being developed. In most places the main attraction will be cultural shows featuring performances of Indian dance and music. The Indian film industry is the largest in the world, now producing three times as many full-length feature films as the USA. Mumbai and Kolkata are the country's two 'Hollywoods'. Almost every large town will have a Cinema hall, some of which will show films in English. Music and dancing are an important part of Indian cinema, combining with many other influences to produce a rich variety of film art. Larger cities may have theatres staging productions of English-language plays.

Shopping: 
Indian crafts have been perfected over the centuries, from traditions and techniques passed on from generation to generation. Each region has its own specialties, each town its own local craftspeople and its own particular skills. Silks, spices, jewellery and many other Indian products have long been acclaimed and are widely sought after. Merchants would travel thousands of miles, enduring the hardships and privations of the long journey, in order to make their purchases. Nowadays, the marketplaces of the subcontinent are only eight hours away, and for fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork and antiques, India is a shopper's paradise. Bargaining is expected, and the visitor can check for reasonable prices at state-run emporia.

Fabrics:  
One of India's main industries is textiles. Its silks, cottons, and wools rank amongst the best in the world. Of the silks, the brocades from Varanasi are among the most famous. Other major centres include Patna, Murshidabad, Kanchipuram and Surat. Rajasthan cotton with its distinctive 'tie and dye' design is usually brilliantly colourful, while Chennai cotton is known for its attractive 'bleeding' effect after a few washes. Throughout the country may be found the himroo cloth, a mixture of silk and cotton, often decorated with patterns. Kashmir sells beautiful woollens, particularly shawls. 

Carpets:  
India has one of the world's largest carpet industries, and many examples of this ancient and beautiful craft can be seen in museums throughout the world. Each region will have its own speciality, one such are the distinctive, brightly coloured Tibetan rugs, available mainly in Darjeeling. 

Clothes:  
Clothes are cheap, and can be quickly tailor-made in some shops. Cloth includes silks, cottons, himroos, brocades, chiffons and chingnons. 

Jewellery:  
This is traditionally heavy and elaborate. Indian silverwork is world-famous. Gems include diamonds, lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star sapphires, moonstones and aquamarines. Hyderabad is a leading pearl centre. 

Handicrafts and leatherwork:  
Each area has its specialty; the range includes bronzes, brass work (often inlaid with silver), cane work and pottery. Woven rugs and papier mch (some decorated in gold leaf) are a characteristic Kashmir products. Inlaid marble and alabaster are specialities of Agra. Rajasthan is known for its colourful fabrics and silks. Leatherwork includes open Indian sandals and slippers. 

Woodwork:  
Sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, rosewood from Kerala and Chennai are interesting buyings. 

Other goods:  
Pickles, spices, Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, Orissa playing cards and musical instruments. 

Shopping hours:  
Mon-Sat 0930-1800 in most large stores.

Note: There is a veto on the export of antiques, art objects over 100 years old, animal skins and objects made from skins.

Social Conventions: 
The Indian Hindu greeting is to fold the hands and tilt the head forward to namaste. Indian women prefer not to shake hands. All visitors are asked to remove footwear when entering places of religious worship. The majority of Indians remove their footwear when entering their houses. Because of strict religious and social customs, visitors must show particular respect when visiting someone's home. Many Hindus are vegetarian and many, especially women, do not drink alcohol. Sikhs and Parsees do not smoke. Small gifts are acceptable as tokens of gratitude for hospitality. Women are expected to dress modestly. Short and tight skirts or revealing clothing should not be worn, even on beaches. Businesspeople are not expected to dress formally except for meetings and social functions. 

English-speaking guides are available at fixed charges at all important tourist centres. Guides speaking French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian or Japanese are available in some cities. Consult the nearest Government of India Tourist Office. Unapproved guides are not permitted to enter protected monuments. Tourists are advised to ask for guides with certificates from the Ministry of Tourism or India Tourism. 

Photography: 
Formalities are mainly concerned with the protected monuments and the wildlife sanctuaries. Special permission of the Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, is necessary for the use of tripod and artificial light to photograph monuments. Photographs of the wildlife sanctuaries are allowed on payment of a prescribed fee which varies. Contact the nearest Government of India Tourist Office. 


Business Profile

Economy: 
India's industrial economy, which has invested much in advanced technology initiatives such as digital communications and space research, contrasts with the poverty that persists, particularly in rural areas. The country ranks among the top dozen in the world by gross national product. Roughly two-thirds of the population are involved in agriculture, mainly cereals - and cash crops including tea, rubber, coffee, cotton, jute, sugar, oil seeds and tobacco. Growth in this sector has been steady despite frequent damage through drought and flooding. 

After the hiatus following the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the economy has resumed its healthy growth rate, currently just over six per cent per annum, while inflation is just five per cent. Indian colleges and universities are turning out large numbers of graduates with advanced technology skills who are now the target of employers in Europe and North America. Further reforms, especially improvements to the national infrastructure and basic services, are now seen as the priority for central and regional governments. Foreign direct investment has reached an all-time peak of over $4 billion annually and is set to continuous rising. Japan and Russia are India's major trading partners among a wide range of extensive bilateral economic relations stretching from Australia and the Pacific Basin through Western Europe to the USA, Canada and Brazil.

Business: 
English is widely used in commercial circles, so there is little need for interpreter and translation services. Business cards are usually exchanged and should be presented with both hands. When introduced to someone, wait to see if your host greets you with a Namaste, the traditional Indian greeting in which hands are clasped as if in prayer in front of the chest accompanied by a little bow, or offers the hand. When eating, visitors should wait to see if their host uses fingers or cutlery, and follow suit (it is essential that only the right hand is used for eating). All weights and measures should be expressed in metric terms. Indian businessmen welcome visitors and are very hospitable. Entertaining usually takes place in private clubs. The best months for business visits are October to March, and accommodation should be booked in advance. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700; Sat 0930-1300.

Commercial Information: 
The following organisations can offer advice: 
Ministry of External Affairs, 
South Block, 
New Delh