Beekeeping is an important agricultural and livelihood activity in India, providing honey and other hive products while supporting crop pollination and rural incomes. This review synthesizes national and regional literature on the history, bee species, production systems, hive management, bee products, pollination services, socio-economic dimensions, constraints, policy support and future prospects of Indian beekeeping. The review further examines major diseases, pests and predators of honey bees and their management, with emphasis on hygienic practices and integrated pest management. India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions provide opportunities for both stationary and migratory beekeeping, value addition and pollination services. However, the sector faces constraints including pests and diseases, pesticide exposure, forage loss, climate variability, high equipment and migration costs, weak processing and marketing infrastructure, adulteration and limited adoption of scientific practices. Improved bee-health surveillance, hygienic colony management, farmer–beekeeper coordination, conservation of native bees, floral-resource mapping, scientific migration, quality assurance, value addition and stronger extension support are important for sustainable development. More consistent production and marketing data are also needed for evidence-based planning of Indian beekeeping.