There is an urgent need for creative and sustainable food production systems due to the growing problems in conventional agriculture, such as urbanization, water scarcity, and land degradation. Vertical farming and hydroponics are two promising soil-less farming methods that make it possible to produce crops effectively in controlled conditions with less resources. While vertical farming, which is frequently done inside or in cities, optimizes production by stacking crops vertically, hydroponics grows plants in nutrient-rich water without the use of soil. Higher yields, less water use, less pesticide requirements, and the possibility of year-round production are just a few of the many benefits of these contemporary farming methods. Through agri-startups and government initiatives, these approaches are gaining traction in India despite obstacles such high starting prices and technical needs. The operating principles, advantages, difficulties, and potential applications of hydroponics and vertical farming in the Indian agricultural context are highlighted in this article.