Best VPN for India
Protect your privacy and bypass growing internet restrictions in India
Important Legal Information
VPNs are fully legal in India. However, the government has increased surveillance measures, including mandatory data retention rules for VPN providers operating servers in India. Many top VPN providers have removed their physical servers from India in response. Internet shutdowns during protests are common.
VPN Legal Status in India
Fully Legal
VPN usage is completely legal under Indian law
Data Retention Rules
CERT-In directive requires VPN providers with Indian servers to log user data for 5 years
Government Surveillance
Increasing monitoring of internet activity and social media
Internet Shutdowns
India leads the world in government-ordered internet shutdowns
Best VPNs for India (2026)
These VPNs offer virtual Indian server locations (physically outside India) to avoid data retention laws while still providing Indian IP addresses. All have strong privacy policies and no-logs guarantees.
VPNs to Avoid in India
These VPNs maintain physical servers in India and are subject to CERT-In data retention requirements:
Essential Features for India
Virtual Indian Servers
Servers physically outside India but providing Indian IP addresses to avoid data retention laws
Strong Encryption
AES-256 encryption to protect against government surveillance programs
Kill Switch
Automatic connection kill switch to prevent data leaks during internet shutdowns
No-Logs Policy
Verified no-logs policy with independent audits - essential given India's surveillance laws
Commonly Blocked or Restricted Services in India
Tips for Using VPN in India
Choose a VPN with virtual Indian servers to get an Indian IP without data retention concerns
Enable the kill switch feature to protect against India's frequent internet shutdowns
Use VPN on public Wi-Fi networks, which are common targets for surveillance in India
Keep your VPN updated - providers regularly update to maintain connectivity during shutdowns
Use split tunneling to route only sensitive traffic through VPN for better speeds on Indian networks
Select servers in Singapore or UAE for best speeds when connecting from India
India VPN FAQ
Are VPNs legal in India?
Yes, VPNs are completely legal in India. There are no laws prohibiting VPN use. However, the CERT-In directive from 2022 requires VPN providers operating servers in India to maintain user logs for 5 years. Many top VPN providers have responded by removing physical servers from India and offering virtual server locations instead.
Why did VPN providers remove servers from India?
In 2022, CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) issued a directive requiring VPN providers to store user data including names, IP addresses, and usage patterns for 5 years. Major providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN removed physical servers from India to protect user privacy, offering virtual Indian servers hosted in other countries instead.
Can I access TikTok with a VPN in India?
While a VPN can technically bypass the TikTok ban by routing your connection through another country, the app has been removed from Indian app stores. Using a VPN to access banned apps may have legal implications. The ban applies to over 200 Chinese apps including TikTok, WeChat, and others.
Do I need a VPN during internet shutdowns in India?
India leads the world in internet shutdowns, particularly in regions like Kashmir and during protests. During full shutdowns, VPNs cannot help as all connectivity is cut. However, during partial restrictions or social media blocks, a VPN can help maintain access to restricted services.