Business Module 2

INDIAN EMBASSY AND CONSULATES IN THE U.S.

Embassy of India

Chancery : 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008.

Consulate : 2536 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008.

Telephone: (202) 939-7000 or (202) 939-9806 (consular section).

Fax: (202) 265-4351 or (202) 797-4693 (consular section).

Web address: http://www.indianembassy.org/

Consulate of India -- New York

3 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021.

Telephone: (212) 774-0600. Fax: (212) 861-3788 or (512) 570-9581 (visa section).

Web address: http://www.indiacgny.org/

Consulate of India -- San Francisco

540 Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118.

Telephone: (415) 668-0662. Fax: (415) 668-7968.

Web address: http://www.indianconsulate-sf.org/

Consulate of India -- Chicago

455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive, Suite 850, Chicago, IL 60611.

Telephone: (312) 595-0405.

Web address: http://www.chicago.indianconsulate.com/

Consulate of India -- Houston

1990 Post Oak Blvd. # 600, 3 Post Oak Central, Houston, TX 77056.

Telephone: (713) 626-2148/9. Fax: (713) 626-2450.

Web address: http://www.cgihouston.org/

Government of India Tourist Office (GITO) -- New York

Suite 1808, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

Telephone: (212) 586-4901. Fax: (212) 582-3274.

Web address: http://www.tourindia.com/

U.S. EMBASSY AND CONSULATES IN INDIA

Embassy of the United States of America

Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021.

Telephone: (11) 419-8000. Fax: (11) 419-0017.

Web address: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/in1/wwwhmain.html

U.S. Mission in Calcutta

5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Calcutta 700 071.

Telephone: (33) 282-3611. Fax: (33) 288-0356.

Web address: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/in4/wwwhmain.html

U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai [Bombay]

Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400 026.

Telephone: (22) 363-3611. Fax: (22) 363-0350.

Web address: http://usembassy.state.gov/mumbai/

Consulate General of the United States of America, Chennai [Madras]

220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai 600 006.

Telephone: (44) 811-2000. Fax: (44) 811-2020.

Web address: http://usembassy.state.gov/chennai/wwwhtext.html

INDIAN BUSINESS CONTACT INFORMATION

Governmental/Business Contacts in India:

Ministry of Commerce

Udyog Bhavan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110 011.

Telephone: (11) 301-5299 or 301-6917. Fax: (11) 301-4418.

E-mail: commerce@hub.nic.in

Web address: http://commin.nic.in/doc/welcome.html

Ministry of External Affairs

South Block, New Delhi 110 011.

Telephone: (11) 301-2318 or 301-1165. Fax: (11) 301-6781.

E-mail: webmaster@meadev.gov.in.

Web address: http://meadev.nic.in/1page.htm

Ministry of Finance, Government of India

Government of India, North Block, New Delhi.

Contact email addresses:

Joint Secretary (Administration), Economic Affairs: jsdea@finance.delhi.nic.in

Joint Secretary (Administration), Expenditure : jsexp@finance.delhi.nic.in

Joint Secretary (Administration), Revenue: jsrev@finance.delhi.nic.in

Web address: finmin.nic.in

Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)

2nd Floor, Allahabad Bank Building, 17 Parliament Street, New Delhi 110 001.

Telephone: (11) 310-704 or 310-779. Fax: (11) 312-193.

Security and Exchange Board of India

Head Office, Mittal Court, "B" Wing, 1st Floor, #224, Nariman Point, Mumbai (Bombay) 400021.

Telephone : (22) 285-0451/52/53/54/55/56, 288-0962/63/64/65/66/67/68/69/70.

Fax : (22) 204-5633.

E-mail: sebi@sebi.gov.in

Web address: http://www.sebi.gov.in/

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi 110 001.

Telephone: (11) 331-9251 or 331-5442. Fax: (11) 330-0714 or 372-1504.

Web address: http://www.bisnetindia.com/

National Stock Exchange of India, Limited

Mahindra Towers 'A' Wing, 1st Floor, R B C, Worli Mumbai 400 018.

Telephone: (22) 494-5025, 493-2555, 492-7664

Fax: (22) 493-5631

Web address: http://www.nse-india.com/

Note that there are twenty regional stock exchanges as well. For more information, see:
http://www.nse-india.com/

Ministry of Tourism

Transport Bhavan, 1 Parliament Street, New Delhi 110 001, India.

Telephone: (11) 371-8379. Fax: (11) 371-0518.

E-mail: info@tourisminindia.com

Web address: http://www.tourisminindia.com/

Government of India Tourist Office (GITO)

88 Janpath, New Delhi 110 001.

Telephone: (11) 332-0342 or 332-0005 or 332-0008 or 332-0266.

Tel/Fax: (11) 332-0109.

India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (ITDC)

L1 Connaught Place, New Delhi 111 001.

Telephone: (11) 332-0331 or 332-2336. Fax: (11) 332-0331.

Banking Contacts: Below are the main web contacts for international banking with India. Please see sites for detailed contact information of particular regions.

Reserve Bank of India: http://www.rbi.org.in/

State Bank of India: http://www.statebankofindia.com/

Indian Banks Association: http://www.indianbanksassociation.org/

International Monetary Fund: http://www.imf.org/

World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/

Bank for International Settlements: http://www.biz.org/

FINANCIAL ACCESS

Lakshmi
An image of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good luck.
Traveler's Checks and Cash: American Express and Thomas Cook have extensive networks of offices throughout India, and most banks--both government and private--will accept these traveler's checks. However, be prepared to duplicate your signature exactly as it appears on your checks and in your identification, or you may have some trouble getting your cash.

ATM Machines: ATM machines are becoming more available in Indian cities, especially as large multinational banks shift operations to India. In large cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, and Bangalore ATM machines are plentiful. One can usually find an ATM machine at any major airport as well. The machines will accept most bank debit cards, and will usually offer cash advances on credit cards.

Credit Cards: Many shops and merchants accept credit card purchases on their premises. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are the most common.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone and Fax: India's country code is 91. The outgoing international code from India is 00. The U.S. country code is 01. International Direct Dialing service is available across India, either in hotels or from government-authorized phone stalls, called STD booths, which can be found on every major road or in most shopping areas. These booths often also have fax, photocopier, and Internet services. Fax facilities are available throughout India. Charges are levied either on a per page flat rate or as a surcharge over and above the cost of the phone call.

Cellular Telephones: Cellular phones are common in urban areas of India, and are becoming more common in rural areas as well. One can buy or rent cellular phones in India, and both international airports to Mumbai and Delhi offer both rental and purchase services on the premises.

There are several major cellular companies operating in India, including Birla AT&T and BPLMobile. The cellular standard used in India is the same as that which is used in Europe, commonly known as GSM. Most cellular phones used in the U.S. employ digital or analog services and would not be compatible with the Indian system. Contact your cellular phone manufacturer to determine compatibility.

For a comprehensive survey of cellular service in India, see:
http://www.india-cellular.com/

Mobile phones have become so common in India that at one of India's largest pilgrimages, the Kumbha Mela, even some holy men remain "connected."

Internet and E-mail: All cities and some villages will have Internet cafes, sometimes combined with telephone and fax service. Dial-up, DSL, and cable-modem service are also available in India for home and business use. The largest distributor of Internet access is the central government agency, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL). VSNL recently announced full Internet connectivity to six different categories of users which include students, professionals, non-commercial, commercial, and software exporters, and Internet service providers. Connectivity speeds range 56k dialup to 128k leased line. For more information, visit this site: http://www.vsnl.com/. Another option is the Education and Research Community Network (ERNET). To contact them, visit: http://www.ernet.in/. For a list of servers in India, see: www.imsc.ernet.in/webserv/servers.html

Many companies lease space from VSNL and provide Internet service to homes and businesses. One of the most popular that also offers high-speed access is DishnetDSL. You can contact them at: http://www.ddsl.net/

Telegram: International 24-hour service is available from large hotels and telegraphic offices in major cities.

Postal Service: Airmail service to/from the United States can take between one and two weeks for delivery. Allow extra time if you are shipping goods. Indian stamps are sold at the post office directly and often at larger hotels.

Courier Services: There are many private courier services throughout India that are reliable and inexpensive. Major international courier services (which also have internal services) are Blue Dart (Federal Express) and DHL.

Press: Many newspapers are in English and are sold at newsstands and in bookstores throughout India. The most important include:

The Economic Times: http://www.economictimes.com/

The Times of India: http://www.timesofindia.com/

Indian Express: http://www.indian-express.com/

The Hindu: http://www.hinduonnet.com/

Hindustan Times: http://www.hindustantimes.com/

The Deccan Herald: http://www.deccanherald.com/

The Telegraph: http://www.telegraphindia.com/

The Statesman: http://www.thestatesman.net/

In major cities, the International Herald (http://www.iht.com/) is sold, as well as Newsweek, Time, and other international magazines.

For an on-line resource for Indian news outlets, visit: http://www.samachar.com/

TRAVEL TO INDIA

Carriers: Two U.S. carriers currently serve India: Northwest (partner of KLM from Holland) and Delta Airlines. Both fly regularly to Mumbai and Delhi. You can find Northwest/KLM at http://www.nwa.com/. You can find Delta at http://www.delta.com/.

Many non-U.S. carriers also serve India. These include Air India, British Airways, Air France, El Al, Kuwaiti Airways, and Gulf Air.

The best price for tickets on either U.S. or non-U.S. carriers are often found from consolidators, who buy tickets wholesale, or specialty travel agents who specifically serve India. These travel agents are often able to make additional travel arrangements, such as air and rail travel within India.

TRAVEL IN INDIA

Air: The government-run domestic airline is Indian Airlines (http://www.indian-airlines.nic.in/). This airline network connects over 70 cities. Indian Airlines also operates regular flights to the neighboring countries of Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the Maldives, Singapore and Thailand. Private domestic airlines include Archana Airways, Gujarat Airways (http://www.gujaratairways.com/), Jagson Airways, Jet Airways (http://www.jetairways.com/), Air Sahara (http://www.airsahara.net/) and Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Indian Airlines. Many domestic airlines offer special fares, excursion fares, and time-contingent passes.

Rail: The Indian internal railway system is the largest in Asia and the second largest in the world. There are over 43,500 miles of track, 7000 stations, and 11,000 locomotives. India's trains carry more than 12 million passengers every day. The network covers much of the country and is a quintessential part of the fabric of India, as well as being relatively inexpensive.

The Railway Atlas (Indian Map Service, Jodhpur Edition: 1999) is the best printed resource for information on train routes and timings. See the government's official web page at: http://www.indianrail.gov.in/.

There are many classes of travel on Indian trains, though all may not be available on the same train. For example, the most common classes are first-class air-conditioned, second-class air-conditioned, three-tier air-conditioned, air-conditioned chair car, first-class sleeper, second-class sleeper, first class chair car, second class, and third class.

First-class air-conditioned (when available) is as expensive as flying, so you should check whether a flight goes to where you are visiting. Second-class (non-air-conditioned) can be quite crowded and uncomfortable.

A restored Indian Railways engine.

There is a special Indrail Pass consisting of a single non-transferable ticket, which enables a visitor to travel on any train without restriction within the period of validity. It is sold only to foreign nationals and Indians residing abroad holding a valid passport, and replaces all other concessional tickets. Payment is accepted only in foreign currency (U.S. Dollars or Pounds Sterling). Reservations can be made for rail voyages with some travel agents and at the railway stations themselves. Often large railway stations will have special tourist windows and offices, and will offer "tourist quota," seats reserved on popular routes, such as the Rajdhani Express between Mumbai and Delhi, specifically for last-minute travel by foreign tourists.

Bus: India has a large network of private and public bus services. Travel arrangements for buses can be made at travel agencies in India and at bus stands in heavily visited areas. However, beware of the "video coach" unless you enjoy Hindi films played loudly during your bus journey.

Tourist cars: There are a large number of chauffeur-driven tourist cars (some air-conditioned) available in larger cities. One can find almost any kind of vehicle, from Indian-made to imported, from compact cars to full-sized buses. The unmetered tourist cars are run at a fixed rate system dependent on mileage and time. These services are approved by the Government of India Tourist Office. There are also many private tourist cars available. See a travel agent in India to arrange a private car.

Rickshaws: Rickshaws of various kinds are ubiquitous in India and provide an inexpensive means of traveling short distances, especially in heavy traffic. Auto rickshaws are three-wheeled vehicles that seat up to three passengers plus the driver. Some cities have vehicles called "tempos" that are similar to auto rickshaws, but are larger and fit six or more passengers. One may also find bicycle rickshaws and pull rickshaws.
Most auto rickshaws and tempos will have meters that display a fare based on distance traveled. Rarely, however, do rickshaw drivers use these meters unless the passenger insists. And even then, the rickshaw operator may not agree to use the meter. If they do agree, the meter must be read with a tariff card that translates the meter's figure into the actual amount to be paid. However, in many cases, one will have to bargain for the fare.

For those interested, here is a website devoted to the "rickshaw arts" of Bangladesh, India's neighbor: http://netnow.micron.net/~ricksha/.
Riksha and Man
A man taking his afternoon nap in the cab of his pull-rickshaw.

Taxicabs: Most large Indian cities will have a plethora of taxis plying the roads. Like auto rickshaws, taxicabs run on a meter, and most cab drivers will use the meter, though you may have to remind them. In Delhi, Bombay, and other large cities, one can find air-conditioned taxis, often called "cool cabs" and painted blue. The fare is significantly more for these vehicles. When arriving at a city by air, the airport will often have a "pre-paid" taxi stand nearby where one pays a predetermined fare, dependent on the destination in advance, and thus the fare is not metered but rather pre-paid.

Driving: Self-drive rental in India is not widespread, but it does exist in larger cities. One can rent cars and two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles and scooters. You must have an International Driver's Permit and pay a substantial deposit (or leave a credit card number). While some of the traffic rules in India are similar to those in the U.K. (eg. driving on the left side of the road), one should mind the specific traffic patterns in each region before renting a vehicle.