Key Takeaways
According to a study, the commercial SMS traffic in India has grown to over 40 billion messages per month.
Whether you're a business owner, marketer or salesperson, sending SMS to India is straightforward but requires careful attention to ensure successful delivery. With a vast mobile user base, SMS remains a crucial communication tool in the country.
With advent of new communication channels like WhatsApp for marketing, SMS still remains crucial for businesses especially for use case like OTP SMS authentication.
Texting in India for Businesses
- Before sending SMS messages to India, it's essential to understand number formatting and regulatory compliance to ensure smooth delivery. Whether for personal use or business communication, proper setup is key to successful messaging.
- A reliable communications platform with a global private network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services can help streamline international messaging. Using an SMS API, businesses can seamlessly integrate text messaging into their applications, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
- With access to cost-effective messaging solutions and a wide range of phone numbers in over 140 countries, including India, businesses can optimize their SMS campaigns. Deliverability reports provide valuable insights to enhance messaging success, while an easy setup process and robust features make implementation hassle-free.
You can check our article on SMS campaigns for a detailed guide.
Sending a Text to India
In India, phone numbers generally consist of ten digits. Landline numbers begin with a two-digit area code, while mobile numbers start with a network-specific prefix, followed by the remaining eight digits
- India Phone Number Formatting
When sending texts in India, mobile and landline numbers follow different formats. Mobile numbers always begin with a digit from 7 to 9, followed by nine additional digits. Landline numbers start with a 2-8 digit area code, depending on the city and are followed by the subscriber number. For proper message delivery, format the number as a continuous string without spaces or special characters to ensure seamless routing through the mobile network.
- India's Country Code
India's country code is +91, which is required when texting from outside the country to ensure the message reaches the Indian network. Adding this code helps direct your message to the correct recipient without delivery issues.
To send an SMS to an Indian number, format it as follows
- Start with +91, followed by the 10-digit mobile number.
- For instance, if the number is 9876543210, you should enter it as +919876543210 in your messaging app.
- Once formatted correctly, enter it in the recipient field and send your message.
SMS Compliance in India
Businesses sending SMS in India must follow Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) guidelines to ensure legal and ethical messaging practices. Key compliance requirements include
- Registration with TRAI
Businesses must register on the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform.
- Do Not Disturb (DND) Adherence
Messages must not be sent to numbers registered under DND, unless explicitly permitted.
- Customer Consent
Prior consent is required before sending promotional messages.
- Transparency in Communication
Messages should be clear, relevant and not misleading.
- Content Compliance
Messages must follow TRAI-approved templates and avoid restricted content.
You can check our article on DLT registration for a detailed guide.
Steps for Sending a Text to India
Now that you're familiar with formatting and compliance rules, follow these steps to send your text message successfully
- Check the Number
Ensure the recipient’s mobile number follows India’s 10-digit format.
- Add the Country Code
Prefix the number with +91 to direct it to the Indian network.
- Enter the Recipient's Number
Input the full number, including the country code, in the recipient field.
- Compose and Send
Type your message and press send.
Best Practices for Texting Indian Numbers
To comply with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regulations, businesses must follow specific guidelines when sending SMS to Indian recipients
- Timing Restrictions
Marketing messages should only be sent between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time unless the recipient has opted in for messages outside these hours.
- Clear and Concise Messaging
Keep texts brief, to the point, and ideally within 160 characters for better readability and compliance with SMS limits.
- Register Sender IDs
Businesses must register their sender ID with regulatory authorities to prevent messages from being blocked or flagged as spam.
- Respect Privacy & Spam Regulations
Adhere to India’s data protection laws, ensuring messages are relevant and only sent to users who have opted in.
- Verify Numbers Before Sending
Double-check recipient numbers to avoid delivery failures and improve success rates.
Choosing the Right Greeting for Your Text Message to India
The greeting in your text message plays a crucial role in setting the tone and ensuring a positive response. Selecting an appropriate salutation helps build rapport and enhances the effectiveness of your message. Here’s how to choose the right one
- Formal Greetings
In professional or business communication, a formal greeting is essential. Common choices include "Dear" or "Respected," followed by the recipient’s name or title, such as "Dear Mr. Saxena," or "Respected Dr. Singh." This conveys professionalism and respect, strengthening credibility.
- Informal Greetings
For personal or casual interactions, a relaxed greeting works better. Options like "Hi," "Hello," or "Namaste," followed by the recipient’s first name (e.g., "Hi Sheena," or "Namaste Rajiv,") create a friendly and approachable tone.
- Cultural Sensitivity
India’s diversity means language and customs vary across regions. While English is commonly used, incorporating local greetings—such as "Namaskar" in certain areas—can add a thoughtful touch. Understanding cultural preferences enhances the acceptance of your message.
- Context-Based Approach
Your relationship with the recipient should influence your greeting choice. For existing customers or acquaintances, a semi-formal greeting like "Hello [Name]" is appropriate. However, for new prospects or formal business interactions, it’s best to maintain a professional tone with a formal greeting.
Text India
- Before sending SMS messages to India, it's essential to understand number formatting and regulatory compliance to ensure smooth delivery. Whether for personal use or business communication, proper setup is key to successful messaging.
- A reliable communications platform with a global private network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services can help streamline international messaging. Using an SMS API, businesses can seamlessly integrate text messaging into their applications, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
- With access to cost-effective messaging solutions and a wide range of phone numbers in over 140 countries, including India, businesses can optimize their SMS campaigns. Deliverability reports provide valuable insights to enhance messaging success, while an easy setup process and robust features make implementation hassle-free.
You can check our article about New SMS regulations to send SMS in India for more details.
Conclusion
Sending text messages to India requires proper formatting, compliance with TRAI regulations and the right messaging approach. By following best practices and using a reliable messaging platform, businesses can ensure smooth and effective communication. Understanding cultural nuances and choosing the right greeting further enhance engagement. With the right strategy, you can maximize deliverability and build strong connections with your audience.
