Skip to main content

India (+91)

Your handy guide for sending to India

Updated over a week ago

You can send One-Way and Two-Way SMS in India.

However, you can't send MMS messages.


Available Sender IDs

You can choose from a few Sender ID options when sending to India.

Registration and fees may apply.

Not sure which one to choose?

See our Sender ID guide or contact support — we're happy to help.

Shared numbers

Shared numbers are free, ready to use, and don’t need registration. Messages will be sent from a pool of shared short codes, so the number might be different each time.

Shared numbers are used for one-way messaging only.

Dedicated numbers

Send from a trusted, local number. Your messages will always come from a consistent Sender ID, which is perfect for establishing trust and recognition.

To purchase a dedicated number, please contact support.

Dedicated number registration usually takes 6-8 weeks.

Registration requirements

To register a dedicated number, you will need to provide:

  • Your business name

  • Business address

  • Use case

Dedicated Short Codes

Send from a trusted, extended short code Your messages will always come from a consistent Sender ID, which is perfect for establishing trust and recognition.

To purchase a dedicated number, please contact support.

Dedicated number registration usually takes 2-3 weeks.

Registration requirements

To register a dedicated number, you will need to provide:

  • Your business name

  • Business address

  • Estimated monthly volume


Rules and best practices

Telemarketing License Requirements

  • Domestic companies must have a telemarketing license connected to local operators

  • Foreign companies use International Long Distance Operator (ILDO) connections

  • ILDO license allows reselling SMS services to foreign entities

  • Local license often requires:

    • SMS platform hosted in India

    • In some cases, the company's headquarters in India

Elections & Political SMS Rules

  • Requires extra documentation to comply with TRAI and government rules

Key Requirements:

  • Liability:

    • End entity is responsible for opt-ins, content, and penalties

  • Content & Documentation:

    • Political content must be pre-approved by MCMC (Media Certification & Monitoring Committee)

    • Must submit a certificate of approval and self-declaration/affidavit on ad expenses

  • References to the Prime Minister:

    • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is needed from the PMO if the PM is mentioned (Names and Emblems Act, 1950)

  • Other Requirements:

    • Must observe a 48-hour silent period before voting (as per Representation of the People Act, 1951)

    • Must keep detailed records of the person/entity placing the SMS order, including:

      • Authorization

      • Name, address, phone, email

      • All entities involved must be traceable


Content guidelines

Before you start sending, carefully review our sending guidelines to understand the types of messages you can't send. Additionally, you must adhere to the specific local regulations outlined below:

  • Cryptocurrency

  • Political Messages (unless registered)

Did this answer your question?