The most devastating disaster in India since gaining independence in 1947 was a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Gujarat on January 26, 2001, coinciding with the country's 52nd Republic Day. India has faced numerous significant earthquakes over the past 250 years, causing substantial damage both within its borders and in neighboring areas.

While most of India is situated over a stable craton, Gujarat is positioned 400 km from the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates, suggesting it may be a transitional zone between stability and an active plate boundary. Key faults in the region include the east-trending Kachchh Mainland Gedi fault and the Allah Bund Fault.