[2] Rugby union in India dates back to a scratch match or two played in Calcutta and Madras during the visit of MS Galatea in 1871.

In 2007 India attempted to qualify for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, Scotland, and Wales.

They were placed in Asian Division 3, Pool B for the qualifiers in which India finished second of four teams with 1 win, 1 tie, and 1 loss.

As only the first place team moved on to the second qualification round India was officially knocked out of the 2007 World Cup.

[5] In 2005, they started their attempt to qualify for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but a 22–36 loss to Kazakhstan sent them out of the running for that tournament.

[10] India has never played in the Rugby World Cup but they have attempted to qualify a number of times.

India participated in the inaugural 2008 Asian Five Nations (as it was then known) competing in the Second Division, finishing in third place, and missing out on being promoted.

As both team scored respective victories India was declared the winner on points difference.

[11] The Test match record against all nations, updated to 4 May 2024, is as follows:[12][13] The squad selected for 2024 Asia Rugby Championship Division 1.