Abstract The International Health Regulations (IHR) is an international legal instrument applicable to all WHO member countries and came into force in 2007. The objective of the IHR is to prevent international spread of disease by enabling member countries undergo capacity building for early detection, reporting and taking control measures against any public health emergencies of international concern. Although India has attained most of the core capacities as per its obligation towards meeting IHR requirements, it faces challenges in meeting its growing needs for trained epidemiologists of a medical background, entomologists, food analysts and other specialist staff engaged in public health surveillance activities. The development of public health infrastructure for meeting IHR norms should help India develop its surveillance, response and preparedness capacities which would improve outcomes of its public health programs and help contain outbreaks. India should also not be content with meeting basic IHR norms but should strive to attain advanced capabilities permitting it to support its neighbouring countries with limited public health infrastructure in meeting their IHR goals.
Keywords: IHR; Surveillance; India.