India Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for India
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated June 16, 2025
India recorded 2.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is low by global standards. That places India #97 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 24% over the past decade (from 3.7 in 2012). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates India at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
2.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#99 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 24% over the past decade (from 3.7 in 2012). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How India Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In India, the homicide rate for men is 1.4× higher than the rate for women — 3.2 vs 2.4 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
India has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
437(2024)
Military Spending
2.3% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for India:
Reissued after periodic review with updates to entry/exit requirements. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism . Some areas have increased risk. Country Summary: Violent crime and terrorism occur in India. Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: tourist locations transportation hubs markets/shopping malls government facilities The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for India
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency phone numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Dial 100 from a landline Dial 112 from a mobile phone Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate after reporting to local police. U.S. Embassy New Delhi: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 U.S. Consulate General Mumbai: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 U.S. Consulate General Kolkata: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 U.S. Consulate General Chennai: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad: +(91) (40) 6932 8000
Crime
Always be aware of your surroundings: Understand local customs and etiquette. Keep a low profile. Monitor local news. Change your daily routes and times. Consider security when visiting public and religious sites. Carefully select safe hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and recreation places. Stay informed while traveling: Advisory alerts are issued from the U.S. Embassy through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . Register to receive alerts while traveling abroad. Regularly monitor travel information from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the U.S. Consulates General in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
Terrorist activities
Terrorist attacks and insurgent activities may happen in India: U.S.-designated terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e Tayyiba are active in India. Past attacks targeted public places like: Luxury and other hotels Markets Cinemas Mosques Restaurants Trains and train stations Attacks can take place anytime, but busy evening hours in markets and crowded places are common. Attacks may occur around holidays.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations (“bandh”) can cause major disruptions. Transportation and tourist-related services can be stopped at times for 24 hours or more. Local travel by air and railways may be severely limited. Obey all curfews and travel restrictions. Avoid demonstrations and rallies, especially around political events and religious festivals. There is the potential for violence when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide or tensions between castes and religious groups occur. Follow local media for information about the location and length of time for strikes.
Anti-conversion laws and safety
Some Indian states have “anti-conversion” laws. Acts of conversion can provoke violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of converting Hindus have been attacked and killed, especially in conservative, rural areas. Demonstrators may block roads near tourist sites and disrupt train operations to attract attention of authorities. Sometimes vehicles transporting tourists are attacked. Stay informed: Monitor local TV, print, and social media. Follow Mission India’s American Citizens Services Facebook page for updates.
Swimming safety
Be cautious swimming in open waters along the Indian coastline. Avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Strong currents cause drowning every year in areas like Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha) and the Bay of Bengal. Always follow posted warnings at beaches. There have been reports of fatal crocodile attacks in the Andaman Islands. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.
Wildlife safaris
Many tour operators and lodges offer safe excursions into parks and wildlife viewing areas. Safety standards and training can vary, so check if operators are trained and licensed. Treat all animals, even those marked as “tame,” as wild and dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals. Stay in vehicles or protected enclosures while in game parks or on safaris.
Trekking safety
Stick to routes identified by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides. Avoid trekking after dark. Camp only at designated sites. Travel in groups. Popular trekking spots can reach altitudes over 25,000 feet (7,620 meters). Ensure you are fit for high altitudes and have medical insurance that includes evacuation coverage.
Train travel safety
Train travel is generally safe in India. India has the third largest railway network in the world. Accidents and on-board fires can occur due to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, overcrowding, and operator errors. These incidents have caused deaths and serious injuries.
Jammu and Kashmir
Avoid traveling to Jammu & Kashmir due to potential terrorist incidents and violent public unrest. The region of Jammu & Kashmir is disputed with India, Pakistan, and China all claiming some or all of the territory. Terrorist groups target security forces, especially along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Key tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are particularly risky for foreigners. Communal violence has caused large strikes and business shutdowns, requiring police evacuations of U.S. citizens. Foreign tourists are prohibited from visiting certain areas along the LOC and may need a travel permit.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
India Population & Demographics
Population of 1,450,935,791, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is India safe to visit?
The US State Department rates India at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 2.8 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in India?
India has an intentional homicide rate of 2.8 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #97 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for India?
India is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in India compare to other countries?
India's homicide rate of 2.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.