Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
With the acceleration of globalization and the rise of new technologies, it has never been easier to stay connected with loved ones, even from a country as distant as India. Whether overcoming time zone differences, navigating between professional and family obligations, or choosing the best communication platforms, every detail matters in establishing a smooth and authentic connection with those we cherish.
This article explores various strategies and tools, ranging from instant messaging applications to video calls, so physical distance no longer becomes an obstacle to maintaining warm and fulfilling relationships, thus transforming the art of staying connected into an unprecedented experience.
Best Internet Service Providers in India
Major Internet Service Providers in India in 2025
| Provider | Connection Types | Offered Speeds | Average Price (Monthly) | Geographic Coverage | Specific Features / Innovations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JioFiber | Fiber optic, cable | 30 Mbps – 1 Gbps | ₹399 – ₹3,999 | Major cities + semi-urban | OTT included, free installation, extensive network |
| Airtel Xstream Fiber | Fiber optic | 40 Mbps – 1 Gbps | ₹499 – ₹3,999 | Large cities + secondary towns | Recognized customer support, Airtel Black (fiber+DTH+mobile), smart router |
| ACT Fibernet | Fiber optic | 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps | ₹549 – ₹2,999+ | Southern metros and Delhi | Low latency for gamers/IT professionals |
| BSNL Bharat Fiber | ADSL & fiber | Up to ~200 Mbps | From ₹329 | Rural and small towns | Wide rural coverage |
| Excitel | Fiber/cable | Up to ~400 Mbps | From ₹499 | Urban/northern localized regions | Very affordable unlimited plans for students |
| Reisnet Broadband | Fiber optic | Up to ~500 Mbps | From ₹599 | Metropolitan areas | Premium service with priority support |
Combined internet + TV + mobile packages (“triple play”), smart home Wi-Fi management via mobile apps, and widespread access to OTT platforms now clearly distinguish the Indian premium market.
Personal Recommendations Based on Customer Reviews
- For urban families seeking complete entertainment/fast internet packages: prioritize JioFiber or Airtel Xstream Fiber with OTT bundles.
- For professional gamers: prefer ACT Fibernet if locally available due to its guaranteed low latency.
- For student use/limited budget: Excitel often offers the best volume/price ratio where available.
- In rural/semi-rural areas: BSNL Bharat Fiber often remains the only reliable solution.
Always verify local eligibility before final selection as each provider primarily operates through proprietary fiber networks whose availability can vary significantly neighborhood by neighborhood.
Good to Know:
In India, the main internet service providers include JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, BSNL, and ACT Fibernet. JioFiber offers fiber optic connections with speeds up to 1 Gbps, prices starting around ₹399 per month, and extensive coverage in urban areas. Airtel Xstream also provides fiber optic connections with similar speeds and customer service known for responsiveness. BSNL offers ADSL and fiber connections with good coverage in rural regions, though typically at lower speeds. ACT Fibernet is known for ultra-fast connections and service oriented toward gamers and heavy users. Prices vary by region and service type, but fiber generally offers better reliability and speed. For customer satisfaction, JioFiber and Airtel often lead according to recent market studies, thanks to constant innovation and good service quality.
Practical Communication Apps and Tools
To stay in touch with loved ones from India, several communication apps and tools are particularly effective. Here’s an overview of the most relevant solutions for maintaining connections, whether through instant messaging or video conferencing.
Popular Instant Messaging Apps in India
- Very widely used in India
- High-quality voice and video calls
- Easy sharing of photos, videos, and documents
- Intuitive interface accessible to all ages
- End-to-end encryption of conversations (except cloud backups)
- Free, requires only an internet connection
Telegram
- Rapid growth in the country
- Works on multiple devices simultaneously through cloud storage (history accessible everywhere)
- Secure voice calls; video calls available but less advanced than WhatsApp
- Unlimited sharing of large files and media without strong compression
- Groups accommodating up to several thousand users: ideal for large families or geographically dispersed friend groups
Signal
- Renowned for maximum security: full encryption of messages, voice/video calls, and local backups only
- Open source; no advertising or significant personal data collection
- Features similar to WhatsApp for voice/video calls and secure media/document sharing
| Application | Popularity | Security | Voice/Video Calls | Media Sharing | Ease of Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Yes | Yes | ★★★★★ | Free | |
| Telegram | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Yes | Yes | ★★★★☆ | Free |
| Signal | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | ★★★★★ | Free |
Video Conferencing Tools
Zoom
- Allows family meetings with up to several hundred participants
- Features: HD video calls, screen/photo/video sharing during meetings
- Can be used free up to a certain duration per call (40 minutes)
Google Meet
- Integrated with Google accounts; simple access via browser or mobile app
- Stable video meetings even with average internet connections
- Ideal for scheduling regular meetings through Google Calendar
Practical Tips
For international calls to France or elsewhere:
- Using VoIP services integrated in WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal often avoids high costs associated with traditional mobile carriers
If certain tools are restricted (rare example but possible with Zoom during political events):
- Bypass via reliable VPN offering a foreign IP address. Choose a recognized service with simple installation on smartphone/computer
Main Advantages by Solution
- Excellent connectivity even on unstable Indian networks
- Extreme ease in reaching all types of users
- Zero cost
Telegram
- History synchronized between devices
- Massive groups suitable for large families
Signal
- Impeccable confidentiality
- Open source without advertising or tracking
Zoom / Google Meet
- Perfect for organizing extended family video conferences
- Easy management of family calendar via Google Meet
General Recommendations
- Prefer Signal if your exchanges contain sensitive or private information: optimal security guaranteed by complete encryption.
- Use WhatsApp if you seek maximum simplicity and universal compatibility among your loved ones: near-universal adoption in India and worldwide.
- Choose Telegram if you want to access your conversations from different devices easily or manage a very large family group.
- Prioritize Zoom or Google Meet during large virtual meetings: their stability ensures a smooth experience even with many participants.
- Consider VPN only if you encounter unusual technical restrictions – otherwise unnecessary in most cases.
- Always favor using local Wi-Fi rather than Indian mobile networks to ensure better audio/video quality during international communications.
Key Takeaways
The judicious combination between free mainstream mobile apps (WhatsApp/SMS), secure platforms (Signal), multi-device/extended group solutions (Telegram), and large-scale professional tools (Zoom/Google Meet) ensures that from India—with any connected device—you can keep all your family and friendship bonds alive around the globe while controlling costs, ease, and confidentiality according to your personal preference!
Good to Know:
WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are popular instant messaging apps in India, facilitating communication with their voice and video call features, media sharing, and enhanced data security, particularly with end-to-end encryption. For family meetings, Zoom and Google Meet are practical for group calls thanks to their user-friendly interfaces and capacity to host numerous participants. VoIP services offer an affordable solution for international calls, though it’s important to check for potential access restrictions in India and bypass them via VPN if necessary. WhatsApp is widely adopted for its simplicity and free nature, while Signal is prized for its confidentiality. Telegram stands out with its massive groups and channels, offering extended communication options. Each tool presents specific advantages regarding connectivity, cost, and accessibility, making it easy to stay in touch with loved ones.
Tips for Staying Connected with Your Loved Ones
Tips for Staying Connected with Your Loved Ones from India
Popular Messaging Applications
- WhatsApp is the most used app in India, appreciated for its simplicity, free nature, and good quality video/audio calls.
- Telegram, the second most popular app, attracts users with advanced features: editing sent messages, scheduled messages, integrated translation, large file sending, multi-device synchronization, and enhanced privacy options.
- Messenger and JioChat are also present but less used for international communication.
| Application | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Very widespread, reliable video/audio calls, family groups, E2E encryption | File size limits, dependent on phone number | |
| Telegram | Multi-device, message editing/scheduling, large file sending, privacy | End-to-end encryption not enabled by default, less used than WhatsApp |
| Google Meet/Zoom | Group video calls, screen sharing, no number required | High data consumption, sometimes requires good connection, limited duration in free version |
Video Calls and Organization
- Prioritize video calls to share important moments, organize remote dinners, games, or virtual parties.
- Google Meet and Zoom allow gathering multiple family members, sharing photos or videos live.
- Schedule time slots in advance, considering the time difference between India and France.
| City in India | Time Zone (IST) | Difference with Paris (Summer Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi, Mumbai | UTC+5:30 | +3h30 |
| Bangalore, Chennai | UTC+5:30 | +3h30 |
Practical Tips
- Set regular appointments (e.g., every Sunday at 6 PM IST) to create a routine and maintain connection.
- Use Telegram’s message scheduling feature to send messages at the ideal time for your loved ones.
- Prepare discussion topics or virtual activities in advance to make exchanges fun (quizzes, online board games, simultaneous cooking).
Sending Packages or Personalized Gifts
- Prioritize reliable international platforms for sending packages (DHL, FedEx, La Poste International).
- Anticipate delivery times, which can vary from 7 to 21 days depending on destination city.
- Gift ideas: Indian handicrafts, spices, traditional clothing, or personalized gifts like photo albums or handwritten letters.
Maintaining Family Traditions
- Organize remote rituals: shared meals via video conference, celebration of religious or family holidays, recipe sharing.
- Keep habits like exchanging wishes during birthdays or important holidays via voice or video messages.
Virtual Activities to Organize
- Game night (online Pictionary, Werewolf, Kahoot quizzes)
- Remote cooking workshop (preparing a dish together)
- Virtual dinner (each prepares a dish and shares the meal via video conference)
- Synchronized movie/series viewing (Netflix Party, Disney+ GroupWatch)
Cultural Impact and Testimonials
In India, social and family bonds are paramount: maintaining long-distance contact helps preserve the sense of belonging and mutual support, despite physical separation.
Traveler testimonials show that regular video call routines, sharing traditional holidays, and regularly sending small gifts help combat nostalgia and strengthen family bonds.
“Keeping in touch with my family every week helped me better handle expatriation and stay grounded in my traditions, even from a distance.” (expatriate in Bangalore)
Maintaining long-distance connections means preserving the essentials: support, listening, and transmitting family values, even thousands of kilometers apart.
Good to Know:
To stay connected with your loved ones from India, choose popular messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram for quick and efficient exchanges. Video calls via Zoom or Google Meet allow you to see your loved ones in real time, though quality may sometimes depend on internet connection. Schedule regular calls considering the time difference to respect everyone’s habits. Sending packages or personalized gifts strengthens emotional bonds despite distance, adding a personal touch. Maintaining family traditions such as shared recipes or seasonal rituals remotely helps preserve cultural and family ties. Organize virtual activities like game nights or online dinners to nurture social interactions. In the Indian context, where family bonds and hospitality are paramount, staying connected not only strengthens personal relationships but also the social fabric, as shown by the positive experiences of many expatriates.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
