India has a large population of cattle, with an estimated 300 million head of cattle in the country. Cattle play an important role in Indian agriculture and society, serving as a source of milk, meat, and draught power. They are also considered sacred by many Hindus, and play a central role in religious ceremonies and festivals.

Cattle breeding and rearing is an important activity in rural areas of India, and is often the main source of livelihood for small farmers and pastoral communities. The Indian government has implemented several programs and policies to promote the development of the cattle industry, including the National Cattle Development Project and the National Dairy Development Board.

The majority of the cattle breeds in India are indigenous breeds which are well adapted to the local conditions and are known for their hardiness, disease resistance, and high milk production. Some of the well-known indigenous cattle breeds in India include Gir, Tharparkar, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, and Ongole.

India is also the world's largest milk producer, and the dairy sector is an important contributor to the country's economy. India is also a major exporter of buffalo meat.

Cattle population in India is also facing some challenges, such as the issue of stray cattle which are causing problems in urban areas, and the low productivity of cattle due to poor genetic improvement and inadequate nutrition.

Overall, cattle play a significant role in Indian agriculture, economy, and culture. The Indian government is taking steps to improve the productivity and welfare of cattle, as well as to address the challenges facing the cattle industry.