Understanding the WhatsApp Business API ecosystem
The WABA API operates through Meta, Business Solution Providers (BSPs), and businesses. You cannot access the WABA API directly without a BSP. Major BSPs operating in India include Gupshup, Karix, 360Dialog, Interakt, and Wati. We assess your volume, use case, and budget to recommend the right BSP.
Message types and pricing in India
WhatsApp Business API charges per conversation. Business-Initiated Conversations (BIC) are charged at approximately Rs0.55-Rs0.87 per conversation in India. User-Initiated Conversations (UIC) have been free for the first 1,000 conversations per month since November 2024. Template messages must be approved by Meta before use and take 24-72 hours for approval.
Building your WhatsApp opt-in list
WABA compliance requires explicit opt-in from contacts before sending business-initiated messages. Effective opt-in collection methods for Indian businesses: checkout opt-in for online orders, form opt-in on website and lead generation ads, QR code opt-in at events, link-in-bio on Instagram and LinkedIn, and WhatsApp Click-to-Chat ads on Meta. A high-quality opted-in WhatsApp list is among the most valuable marketing assets an Indian business can build.