Set in 1930s Calcutta during the monsoon season, the story revolves around Anne-Marie Stretter (Seyrig), the enigmatic and disillusioned wife of the French ambassador to India.

India Song was selected as the French entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 48th Academy Awards but did not receive a nomination.

Born to a French father and a Venetian mother, Anne-Marie grew up in Venice as Ana-Maria Guardi, where she developed into a promising musician.

Anne-Marie and Michael, disillusioned with their idle lives, had previously attempted suicide together and made a pact not to interfere if either chose to end their life.

Finding the main location took several months; eventually Duras chose the Château Rothschild in Boulogne, which she had seen during a walk and which had impressed her.

[5] Vincent Canby, writing for The New York Times, gave the film a negative review, finding that it was aesthetically pleasing but shallow.

Canby described India Song as "no content and all style", although he felt that Seyrig's portrayal of Anne-Marie was "marvelous to contemplate".

[6] India Song was nominated for three César Awards in 1976—Best Music Written for a Film for Carlos d'Alessio, Best Sound for Michel Vionnet, and Best Actress for Delphine Seyrig.

Michael Lonsdale considered his part to be his "most favorite role", adding that "it helped me exorcise the suffering I was going through at the time in my personal life".