Heligreenhorn
Its a big leap from the USA to Delhi or Mumbai. The 2 cities are a long way apart and are quite different so your lifestyle will be somewhat dependent on which one you will be living in. India is an eclectic mix of good and bad. I have travelled there many times on aviation business and find the people friendly and non threatening, I like them very much.
But, India also has the most extreme poverty I have ever seen, people literally living in cardboard boxes on the side of the road with young kids. They have nothing other than a few pots and pans and have to resort to washing in puddles or drainage culverts and defeceating on the side of the road.
There are many expat pilots working there with the airlines and with some smaller charter operators. If its a Koala you will be flying, will you be working with AR Airways/ Club One Air in Delhi?
The letter of appointment is your contract of employment and will outline the pay and conditions. The general rule these days in India is that the company provides housing, car with driver and a small per diem in addition to salary. Your roster seems to be quite biased to time on duty, 2 days off would be more usual from what I have seen.
The bugs are different there, especially the stomach ones! Hygiene is the most important thing, washing hands frequently and not touching the toilet door handle on the way out is very good advice. You would have to ascertain what medical arrangements are in place for your family.
I think you could have a most enjoyable time there with a few precautions and a clear understanding of the pay and conditions before you go. Make sure your pay is deposited overseas in USD. Allowances will be paid locally in Rupees.
Feel free to PM me, I have some contacts there who may be useful to you depending on where you will be.
HH