India
HI has had a strong presence in the country for three decades and has implemented several health, prevention and rehabilitation projects to mainstream disability into the public health system. Nowadays, the organization supports civil society organizations to promote social and economic inclusion and advocate for equal opportunities and participation of people with disabilities, especially in employment.

Fayaz is 5 years old. He had both legs amputated following the explosion of an explosive remnant of war when he was 3 years old. | © L. Veuve / HI
Actions in process
In 2024, HI has implemented a new project to enhance capacity and engagement of civil society organization representing tribes, youth, women and persons with disabilities to promote gender and disability inclusive governance in Odisha, India through increased knowledge, networking and evidence-based advocacy.
concretely
Situation of the country

India is the seventh largest country in the world, covering an area of 3.3 million sq km. Bordered by oceans on three sides and the Himalayan Mountain range to the north, India now has a population of 1.4 billion, surpassing China for the first time. Its population is expected to reach 1.7 billion by 2050.
India has considerable social and cultural diversity. For example, it is home to more than two thousand ethnic groups. This leads to a significant number of sectarian and/or communal problems; riots are common and somewhat unpredictable. Minor incidents are exaggerated by radical sections of the communities who are keen to exploit small and relatively innocuous events.
In May 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was re-elected for a second five-year term with a broad mandate. His political campaign focused on job creation and infrastructure investment, while tackling corruption and promoting Hindu nationalism.
India has territorial disputes with many of its neighbors. In the last 70 years, it has only been able to resolve its border issues with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The undermarketed borders with Myanmar, Bhutan and, more recently Bhutan, and more recently with China, Pakistan and Nepal, have often led to tensions.
The Indian government says the country's economy remains on track to grow by 7 per cent or more this year. or more this year, more than double global growth forecasts that have been by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rising energy prices and a slowdown in China.
It also continues to face socio-economic challenges. 21.9% of its population lives below the poverty line2 and if the country is to be lower-middle income country according to the World Bank, India had the largest number of poor people in the world in 2012 using a revised methodology for measuring poverty, reflecting its massive population.
Number of HI employees: 12
Programmed opened in: 1988