Calcutta is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Calcutta is the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India and the north-eastern states. It is home to the Calcutta Stock Exchange, India's second-largest bourse. It is also a major commercial and military port, and the only city in the region to have an international airport.

India is in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan. The climate varies from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north.

The official languages are Hindi and English. Business is conducted in English. Indian business associates may speak to one another in Hindi or their local language, it is not expected of foreign business executives to speak or understand a local language. Hotel and airline staff speak English. The main religions are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism.

The economy of India is the twelfth largest economy in the world by nominal value and the fourth largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). In the 1990s, following economic reform from the socialist-inspired economy of post-independence India, the country began to experience rapid economic growth, as markets opened for international competition and investment. In the 21st century, India is an emerging economic power with vast human and natural resources, and a huge knowledge base.

Business dress is smart, conservative and discreet. Business is generally best conducted by maintaining an even conversational tone and to restrain any signs of impatience, frustration or anger. Indians prefer to be addressed by their professional titles or by Mr, Mrs, Miss. It is best not use their first names unless invited to do so.

The security risk for expatriates in India is generally medium to high, but varies across the country. Risks include petty crime, such as pickpocketing, mainly in crowded tourist areas, crime against women (including rape), risks associated with protest action (which can become violent), and terrorism by separatist groups and guerrillas, although the risk to expatriates is relatively low.

The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

Medical facilities are not generally comparable to those of Western Europe and North America, especially in rural areas. In major cities private medical care is available, but it is expensive. Dengue fever is common.

The population of Calcutta is 14.2 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 2.36% (July 2017).

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Calcutta as at 1 July 2017 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

Calcutta is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.