🇮🇳 Indian Time Now (IST)
📍 Interactive Map of India
The Land of Diversity and Ancient Roots
India is currently the most populous country in the world, a vibrant democracy that is home to the oldest living religion, Hinduism. The name “India” is derived from the River Indus (Sindhu), which was the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Unlike many Western nations, India does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). The country follows a single time zone across its vast geography to maintain national unity and administrative simplicity.
IST vs. US Time Differences
| US Cities | Time Zone | Difference from IST |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, Seattle | Pacific Time (PT) | −12.5 to −13.5 hours |
| Chicago, Houston, Dallas | Central Time (CT) | −10.5 to −11.5 hours |
| New York, Washington D.C., Miami | Eastern Time (ET) | −9.5 to −10.5 hours |
*Note: Differences change by 1 hour during US Daylight Saving Time (March–Nov).
Read: Tropic of Cancer passes through how many Indian States
✈️ Common Flight Routes: India to the USA
Due to the long distance, flights from India typically follow these major global hubs:
- The Atlantic Route: Via Europe (London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris).
- The Middle East Route: Via Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), or Abu Dhabi.
- The Pacific Route: Via Hong Kong, Singapore, or Tokyo.
- Non-Stop: Direct flights (e.g., Air India/United) over the North Pole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many time zones are in India?India officially has one time zone: India Standard Time (IST).
Which line divides India into two halves?The Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) passes through the middle of India, dividing it into nearly equal northern and southern halves.
Are Sri Lanka and India time the same?Yes, Sri Lanka also follows UTC +5:30, matching India Standard Time exactly.
Why is India 30 minutes off?During the colonial era, India adopted a meridian ($82.5^\circ$ E) that was exactly halfway between two hourly zones to provide a single time for the entire country.
How late is Dubai from India?Dubai is 1.5 hours behind India. When it is 12:00 PM in India, it is 10:30 AM in Dubai.