At a time when numerous infectious diseases are kept under control with worldwide vaccination endeavors, the human immunodeficiency infection (HIV), identified in 1984, is still infecting millions around the world. From 1990 to 2017 the number of individuals living with HIV ascended from below 8 million to more than 36.9 million. Since the start of the HIV scourge, the infection has claimed more than 34 million lives. While antiretroviral medicines have definitely enhanced life expectancy and quality of life for individuals living with HIV, preventing the occurrence of HIV infection is as yet the essential objective, particularly for the low-income nations that are hardest hit and can\'t bear the cost of prolonged medications. Many years of effort have been spent, towards developing a low cost, powerful and safe HIV vaccine yet till now nothing substantial has come up. India with its immense populace of HIV positive patients is also taking a functioning part in this procedure. This review hereby provides a concise story of the currently adopted strategies involved in developing an effective HIV vaccine and also about the role played by India in this global effort.