New Delhi - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Everyone knows of the problems that women face in Indian society and though these shouldn't be dismissed, everyone will tell you that they very rarely target foreign women. You'll likely run into people that will try to rip you off, but outright theft doesn't seem incredibly common. You should definitely take care of your possessions though. - Jan 2022
Rape is a real and existential problem for women and girls. There were articles about rapes in the newspapers almost every day, which did include rapes of tourists and expat women. If you have a teen girl who will be at post, bear in mind she will not have a 'normal' teen experience (i.e., going to the mall with friends or going out at night) without putting herself at high risk unless she takes appropriate precautions. Same with female officers/spouses. Other than that, lots of petty crime like pick-pocketing, etc. - Sep 2020
As a woman, I was terrified of sexual harassment before coming here. But I haven’t had any bad experiences and feel safe going out on my own and taking Ubers alone late at night. Yes, Indian men stare at me more than I’d like, and I think my butt has been touched a few times on the dance floor at night clubs. But otherwise, I don’t feel threatened. Aside from maintaining situational awareness, I don’t worry about pickpockets or home break-ins. - Jul 2020
Traffic can be daunting and does not flow the same as western traffic. Vehicles do not maintain "lane discipline" and the buses can be particularly dangerous. - Jul 2019
Women walking alone after dark is still a concern. As many people sleep in bushes or on a side of the street, you have to be aware of their presence and keep your distance. - Oct 2017
Women should be careful at night or being alone in certain areas. You get the lay of the land quickly. My driver could give me good advice if I was ok going somewhere alone. Or he would come with me and be my escort. Most tourist areas were fine.
Houses/apartments have walls and gates and nighttime security guards. Some have daytime guards too. - Mar 2017
I felt very safe. But women in general have to be careful. - Feb 2017
Yes, like most large cities. And I don't feel safe as a woman anywhere alone at night. - Nov 2016
Observe all of the usual security concerns for living in a big city. Protect your cash and wallet when going out, and never carry more than you will need. - Jun 2016
Home grown and radical extremism is a growing problem, and India has become a target for terrorists. Stay tuned to Security Office guidance for timely updates to avoid trouble. Since the Government of India has removed the security barriers around the Embassy in December, American staff and families are at greater risk walking between the two compounds. Little seems to have been done by India to provide security. Also, violent rapes against women is a trend in Delhi and India. Women and girls may not be safe traveling alone or even with a male companion. Several high profile rapes and murders have occurred in the past 2-3 years. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the official line on security for American citizens in India. - Sep 2014
I (male age 39) have been out and about at various times and have felt safe. But also take precautions and be aware of surroundings. Follow the established guidelines that State.gov has. Pretty common sense stuff. - Sep 2014
For women. An unusually high rate of rape, and extremely violent rape at that. I cannot let my teen daughter take public transportation or go anywhere alone. It's easier for guys. - Aug 2013
For women, yes. Cabs aren't always safe, walking around is often an invitation to be groped (even if you are all covered up). Women should not take buses, but the all-female metro cars are okay. In markets, be aware of pickpockets, adulterated food, bottled water, and pickpockets. Tourism scams abound. Please arrange travel with reputable tour companies in advance. There can be communal and terrorist threats. Spontaneous demonstrations related to political causes are common. Traffic accidents and toll plazas with gun-wielding thugs happen. Delhi police treat women badly, both locals and expats. Please stay in touch with your local embassy. When socializing at night, best do it in large groups in the the more elite and western pubs and bars. - May 2013
Nope not really - the concept of Flash mob is from India. While in the US or UK a car accident or an odd site would attract a number of spectators, here in India (with a per capita density of 300 or so humans per square mile) you are never alone. - Oct 2012
That depends on whether you live in a gated community or have home security. It is better to have a hired company watch over the outside of your home. There are some bombings, earthquakes, and the constant threat of war against Pakistan. - Sep 2012
India has unfortunately been the focal point of terrorist activity. It is in a complicated part of the world. For ladies, Delhi is particularly troublesome if you are here alone. There is a real problem with eve-teasing also known as sexual harassment. - Aug 2011
as a single woman, I was routinely harrassed and on several occasions incidents escalated beyond the normal stares and disgusting, breathy comments from men in the street. at least once, men asked my security guards about my habits. I never felt particularly safe in malls or movie theaters and forget about being in a crowd for any special event. I now have a legitimate fear of stampedes. - Aug 2011
There is plenty of crime, but it is rarely targeted at expatriates. Usually someone is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Driving on the roads between cities can be hazardous - Jan 2011
Markets can be a target for terrorists as well as luxury hotels. Generally pick pockets abound as well as petty theft. Women should dress conservatively to avoid hassles. But the biggest risk is probably just crossing the street due to crazy traffic. - Sep 2010
Terrorism. I am a male but I hear some female ex-pats have problems with staring and groping. Since sexuality here is considered a taboo and is suppresed in most cases, Indian men go crazy if they see some exposed skin. - Aug 2010
Women traveling alone should be very careful. Be prepared to be stared at and possibly groped. Generally speaking, groups of people and single men are safe. - Aug 2010
Recently some bombings happened in the busy part of the city. There are always big concerns about terrorists. Women get stared at and felt sometimes. Women can't walk on their own in a lot of areas. - Aug 2010
No big concerns with terrorits. Only being a woman here is hard. You get stared at and felt sometimes. You can't walk on your own in a lot of areas and teenage girls have it hard here. They have to be in groups at all times. - Mar 2008
I, being a 19 year old female, would not feel comfortable being alone but my mother has had no problems. The people are very friendly and will strike up a conversation instantly. - Feb 2008
