I had plans to travel to USA on a tourist visa during the month of March - August. Do I need to be present in India for the H1B processing or a part of it ? Can I follow through on the visa processing even when I am out of the country ? Will that affect anything ?
No, you do not have to be in India for the H1B processing.
Yes, you can follow it. It will not affect anything, if you file it as consular processing.
Just make sure your employer is filing the H1B as Consular processing and NOT Change of status.
Kumar, is the consular processing any different from the regular h1b processing ?
It is just an option to select when you submit H1B application. Your attorney would know that, speak to them.