American visiting India - bringing sidearm with me

[BalaramDas]

Hello, my name is Brendon, I will be leaving for India in May to Chittorgarh Rajasthan. I am going to visit family that live there. I want to know how I can legally bring a sidearm with me to India. I am from Texas, here we require no license to carry out in the open. What is the legal process for a foreigner to bring a sidearm to India? I am fine with obtaining any license and paying whatever fee. I have family that lives in Chittorgarh that I can use their address and their citizenship as reference. My reason would be self defense.

Thank you very much. Hare Krishna.

[StampMaster]

Hi Brendon, welcome to IFG and soon to India.

A tourist license is available for a max. period of 6 months or till your visa (whichever is earlier) for a small fee. You have to make an application with your local DCP or District Magistrate office for same.

I have warn you that reaching India without your license in hand will lead to some trouble of depositing the weapon with customs. And application processing is easier said than done.

Note- You can possess a firearm license, BUT NOT USE IT as per the local law. However, you have the right to self defense.

Cheers.

[Vikram]

Hello Brendon,

Welcome to IFG. As the poster above said, it is possible on paper. It would be a tortuous and, in the end, an uncertain process. Unless you are going to live there for months on, it may not be worth the effort. Have you discussed your thoughts with your relatives in India? They could perhaps help with your decision. Good luck.

[Ambi]

It's a bad idea to bring a gun when you visit india. Shooting even in self defence will get you arrested and jailed without bail for god knows how many years. Read up on what happened to two italian sailors who shot a couple of pirates in indian waters. It would be better to employ a personal guard than to go armed.
India is the safest place for normal tourists. Come without reservations and enjoy yourself.

[mundaire]

I should add here, that self-defence/ self protection is not considered a valid reason for issuing a temporary arms license to a foreign tourist visiting India. These are currently only issued to sportspersons travelling to India to participate in shooting competitions.

[shooter50]

It's a bad idea to bring a gun when you visit india. It would be better to employ a personal guard than to go armed.
India is the safest place for normal tourists. Come without reservations and enjoy yourself.

Totally agree. You will not get a temporary tourist licence for bringing a side arm for as correctly stated in the last post it is only for taking part in recognized shooting competitions. Forget the idea and enjoy India as a tourist.

[BalaramDas]

Thank you all for your replies, I do intend to stay in India for an extended period of time, so I will use this first trip to process my application for my next longer extended visit.

From my understanding, the Indian embassy has stated to come in at your own risk, therefore self defense should be sufficient. I will be applying to help my relatives also acquire their own license.

Thank you very much!

[Keku99]

How did it go? Were you able to process the application and finally carry it on your trip?