This report examines the regulation and rehabilitation of non-native species in India, a subject of growing relevance given the rise in exotic wildlife trade and ownership. It reviews existing legal and policy frameworks, including the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and India’s commitments under CITES, and identifies key gaps in implementation and oversight. The analysis highlights the absence of clear, standardised protocols for the post-seizure care of exotic animals, as well as the broader limitations of infrastructure, veterinary support, and inter-agency coordination. Animal welfare concerns form a central part of the discussion, particularly in the context of prolonged captivity and the lack of clarity around long-term housing for confiscated individuals. Although recent efforts have aimed to bring more species and activities under regulatory scrutiny, enforcement remains uneven and reactive. The report argues for a more coherent and welfare-sensitive approach that moves beyond rescue alone and addresses systemic challenges in enforcement and rehabilitation. Recommendations emerging from this study will contribute to a policy proposal intended for submission to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), with the goal of strengthening the country’s response to the complex and evolving dynamics of non-native wildlife trade.