This was my bike from last year's touring. It has mechanical brakes, a great bike. I'm sure it will get upgraded to hydraulic brakes when I get to it. Also drop the bottom gear/inches.
Therefore, I would recommend the Marin if you are starting fresh. The modulation of brakes is so smooth, especially when walking, or pushing the bike around to park it etc. Two finger control, effortless with only one hand on the bars. As for your location, ignore that. I feel these will be dead nuts reliable. I had concerns in respect to roadside serviceability. Should one system fail, I am not stopped, but limited to a single brake for a bit down the road. The comfort, and feel are well worth the upgrade. Hydraulic brakes will probably become quite common in India before you need parts/work.
My other bike is a Norco Indie 4. The Indie 3 has hydraulic brakes, yet I would recommend the Marin over new Indie 3, simply for the stock gearing. It makes a terrific butterfly touring bike conversion.

That's funny, my "Butterfly Touring" bike.

-Snuts-