The India Medal was a campaign medal approved in 1896[1] for issue to officers and men of the British and Indian armies.

Each campaign was represented by a clasp on the ribbon; seven were sanctioned.

[2] The medal was awarded in silver to soldiers of the British and Indian armies, and in bronze to native bearers and servants.

[3] The obverse shows the profile of Queen Victoria or, for those awarded the medal with the Waziristan 1901–02 clasp, King Edward VII, both with a suitable inscription.The reverse, designed by G. W. de Saulles, portrays a British and an Indian soldier together carrying a standard with the inscription "India 1895", although the Edward VII version omits the date.

[4] The name and details of the recipient were engraved on the edge of the medal, normally in running script.