Question 1: I am an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India). My understanding is that I am allowed to apply for permission to fly drones in India. Am I correct in this? I am looking primarily at Mavics (which should fall under the Micro and Small category, I think).

Question 2: Where (online) can I buy DJI Mavic drones in India? I am looking to buy only from authorised dealers (if they exist) or from stores with an established & verifiable reputation.

PS: I am a highly experienced drone flyer/photographer but my experience has been solely with the DJI Phantom line.

PPS: I just read the DJI specs. The two in the lowest weight class are DJI Mini 3 Pro (< 250g) and DJI Air 2S (595g). I think for the <250g we don't need a license to fly. But for my purpose the camera system on DJI Air 2S is much better.

If you are in Mumbai, call or WhatsApp on 9664514503

Quote from: pratikalwaysrocks on May 22, 2023, 10:50:46 PM
If you are in Mumbai, call or WhatsApp on 9664514503

Thanks. I'm not in Mumbai. My location is given in my profile. I will be operating the drone in Goa.

Quote from: RPP on May 22, 2023, 06:47:42 PM
Question 1: I am an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India). My understanding is that I am allowed to apply for permission to fly drones in India. Am I correct in this? I am looking primarily at Mavics (which should fall under the Micro and Small category, I think).

Question 2: Where (online) can I buy DJI Mavic drones in India? I am looking to buy only from authorised dealers (if they exist) or from stores with an established & verifiable reputation.

PS: I am a highly experienced drone flyer/photographer but my experience has been solely with the DJI Phantom line.

PPS: I just read the DJI specs. The two in the lowest weight class are DJI Mini 3 Pro (< 250g) and DJI Air 2S (595g). I think for the <250g we don't need a license to fly. But for my purpose the camera system on DJI Air 2S is much better.

No answers?

Are any/all of these reliable sellers?

https://www.xboom.in/dji-drone-cameras/

https://www.ubuy.co.in/brand/dji

https://www.imastudent.com/dji

https://www.designinfo.in/p/dji-mini-3-pro-with-dji-rc-remote-and-fly-more-kit-plus/

Hi RPP,

There are no authorized DJI dealers in India AFAIK. If they say they are, I guess it's either a scam or that they are buying from outside(Dubai, Europe or US, etc) and importing it here and sold at premium price. Sometimes the cost is twice that of the drone itself. Your best bet is to get it from someone travelling to India and hand carry them and hope not to get held at customs. Or go with non-authorized dealers and expect no after-sales support.

Anyone, please correct me if I am wrong or suggest anything better.

Cheers
Karthik

Quote from: VTOLkarthik on May 29, 2023, 09:24:04 PM
Hi RPP,

There are no authorized DJI dealers in India AFAIK. If they say they are, I guess it's either a scam or that they are buying from outside(Dubai, Europe or US, etc) and importing it here and sold at premium price. Sometimes the cost is twice that of the drone itself. Your best bet is to get it from someone travelling to India and hand carry them and hope not to get held at customs. Or go with non-authorized dealers and expect no after-sales support.

Anyone, please correct me if I am wrong or suggest anything better.

Cheers
Karthik

Karthik,

Thank you for your response.

I could take the risk of bringing a drone with me when I fly in but I have no stomach for the problems I am likely to meet with at the Customs. Therefore, I prefer to buy it in India and pay the premium.

Yes, no authorised DJI dealers in India. However, what I meant was reputed/reliable sellers. There are surely a couple or three of them in India? Unless they shipped me a lemon out of the box and are not taking it back, I don't think much of after sales services (that risk is baked in when you buy things in India).

Thanks, again.

Then I would suggest not to get anything from those sites you mentioned unless someone can vouch for it.
Your best bet is to contact someone from here who can sell it and if possible to meet them in person and buy it.