What is the right response to an animal bite or scratch in India?

Treat it as urgent. Wash the wound with soap under running water for a full fifteen minutes — this alone substantially reduces rabies risk and is the most time-critical step. Then seek medical care the same day for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, which is highly effective when started promptly and ineffective once symptoms appear. This applies to dogs, cats, monkeys and bats, including scratches and licks on broken skin, and including pets whose vaccination status you cannot verify. Do not wait to see whether the animal falls ill. Tetanus cover should be checked at the same time.