India have failed to ever qualify for the World Cup but were entered into the 1950 World Cup , but had to withdraw as some players refused to wear football boots. India have qualified for the Asian Cup twice in their history. The first time was in 1964 when they managed to finish runners up.

India's only real success has come in the South Asian Football Federation Cup which they have managed to win four times in 1993, 1997, 1999, and more recently in 2005. They also finished runners up in 1995. Current captain Baichung Bhutia is the only pro player. He played for Bury.