In India, the age of consent for sexual activity is 18 years. This means that individuals must be at least 18 years old to engage in consensual sexual activity without violating the law. Sexual activity with a person below the age of 18, even if it is consensual, is considered a criminal offense and can result in charges of statutory rape or sexual exploitation of a minor. It's important to note that while the age of consent for sexual activity is 18, the Indian legal system also has provisions that protect individuals between the ages of 16 and 18 from being prosecuted for engaging in consensual sexual activity with another person in the same age group, provided that there is no coercion or exploitation involved. These provisions aim to strike a balance between protecting minors and acknowledging the evolving capacity for personal decision-making as individuals approach adulthood. The legal framework surrounding the age of consent is an important aspect of India's laws related to sexual offenses and the protection of minors. It is intended to prevent exploitation and safeguard the rights and well-being of young individuals. It's crucial for individuals and communities to be aware of these laws and for everyone to respect age of consent regulations to ensure the safety and protection of minors.