> First off, to get a SIM card as a foreigner in India, you need to have a copy of your passport and visa, a passport sized photo, and a local to act as a reference

Except the local reference part, you go through a similar procedure in Saudi Arabia... in fact.. you need to supply your Iqama (work permit) or passport number over the phone every time you need to topup your SIM. All this in the name of curbing "terrorism"