Investment in India

Exciting investment options for NRIs in India

India’s economy is amongst the largest in the world on the basis of Purchasing Power Parity. It is today one of the most attractive destinations for business and investment opportunities with the available large manpower base, diversified natural resources and strong macroeconomic fundamentals. In FY 2011-12, the country attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of around US$ 46.8 billion in various sectors.

The economy of India also boasts a robust financial system and deep capital markets. India’s demographic are very attractive with approximately 65 per cent of the total population falling in the age group of 15 to 64 years. A comparatively stable Government, an open democratic set-up, and a strong and reliable judiciary system, add further advantage to the Indian Economy. The country’s strong fundamentals such as a growing middle class population, cost competitiveness and strong domestic consumption have made it a preferred destination for MNCs from across the world.

Government’s intervention on policy issues, especially, tax regulations and foreign direct investment (FDI) will play an important role in driving large transactions, especially, inbound deals. India’s growth story remains intact and NRIs/PIOs will continue investing in India.

Investment Options for NRIs in India

A stable, prosperous foundation is the primary requirement to grow one’s business in India. India offers such foundation. It provides rich business opportunities and markets to non-resident Indians (NRIs) and person of Indian origin (PIOs) for new products and services. It is one of the fastest, easiest and lucrative investment destinations in the world to set up business. India is the second-most profitable destination, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Prospects Survey 2010-2012.

NRIs/PIOs are investing in India, especially in the health care sector. The sector has opened up new business opportunities for them to invest in India because of the rise in disposable income, penetration of health insurance and change in lifestyle of present generation.

How can NRIs and PIOs invest in India?

The following investment opportunities are available to the NRIs and PIOs for investments in India:

• Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Accounts: NRE account may be in the form of savings, current, recurring or fixed deposit accounts. Such accounts can be opened only by the non-resident himself and not through the holder of the power of attorney. The interest rates on NRE Savings deposits shall be at the rate applicable to domestic savings deposits. Currently the interest rate is 3.5 per cent
• Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) Rupee Account: NRO accounts may be opened / maintained in the form of current, savings, recurring or fixed deposit accounts. Account should be denominated in Indian Rupees. Permissible credits to NRO account are transfers from rupee accounts of non-resident banks
• Foreign Currency Non Resident (Bank) Account – FCNR (B) Account: FCNR (B) accounts are only in the form of term deposits of 1 to 5 years. All debits / credits permissible in respect of NRE accounts, including credit of sale proceeds of FDI investments, are permissible in FCNR (B) accounts also. Account can be in any freely convertible currency
• The Government has created many policies and schemes to maximize investment options for NRIs/PIOs in the real estate sector of India
• RBI has allowed, both people residing outside India holding Indian passports and also PIO to invest in residential as well as commercial properties in India
• RBI has granted general permission to NRIs/PIOs, for undertaking direct investments in Indian companies, under the automatic route purchase of shares

There are many other exciting options for doing business in India, especially, for entrepreneurs dealing in outsourcing technology, internet ventures, software development, e-commerce, etc.

Policies for foreign investors to do business in India

"India is clearly becoming a more and more important player on the world stage in G20 context, in terms of its role in the global economy. It is very useful for us to exchange ideas and build the basis for future collaboration," according to Mr Ben Bernanke, Chairman, US Federal Reserve.

India is the fifth best country in the world with dynamic growing businesses opportunities for non-resident Indians (NRIs). The Grant Thornton Global Dynamism Index gives a reflection of how suitable an environment it offers for dynamic businesses.

Scenario of Indian Economy

The Indian economy continues to grow at a good pace and holds a strong position on the global map. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) has been growing at an average rate of 8.5 per cent for the last five years.

India's economy is amongst the largest in the world on the basis of Purchasing Power Parity. It is today one of the most attractive destinations for business and investment opportunities for NRIs and foreign investors with the available large manpower base, diversified natural resources and strong macroeconomic fundamentals. In FY 2011-12, the country attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of around US$ 46.8 billion in various sectors.

The economy of India also boasts a robust financial system and deep capital markets. India’s demographic are very attractive with approximately 65 per cent of the total population falling in the age group of 15 to 64 years.

Foreign investment framework of India

The foreign direct investment (FDI) regime has been progressively liberalised during the course of the 1990s and continues to do so in the 2000s, with most restrictions on foreign investment being removed and procedures simplified. Foreign investors can invest directly and do business in India, either on their own or as a joint venture.

Some of the features of the consolidated FDI Policy of India and incentives offered by it:

• Indian companies are permitted to issue equity shares, fully, compulsorily and mandatorily convertible debentures (FCD's) and compulsorily and mandatorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) to the non-residents subject to pricing guidelines/valuation norms prescribed under FEMA
• Foreign investment is calculated on the basis of ownership and control of the Indian company.
• Use of foreign brand names/trademarks is permitted for the sale of goods in India
• "Single window" clearance facilities and "investor escort services" are available in various states to simplify the approval process for new ventures

Sole proprietorship in India

Sole proprietorship is the oldest and most common form of business. It is a one-man organisation where a single individual owns, manages and controls the whole business. An NRI or a person of Indian origin (PIO) residing outside India is allowed to do business in India through a sole proprietorship concern. The investment should be made on non–repatriation basis subject to satisfying certain other conditions.

Tax Incentives in India

The Government of India, for the purpose of accelerated growth of the Indian economy, has extended incentives in the form of tax holiday, deductions, rebates etc under the direct/indirect taxes. Primarily, such incentive relates to export promotion, new industrial undertaking, infrastructure facilities, software industry, research, promotion of backward areas etc.

Doing Business in India - A profitable opportunity for NRIs

The Indian economy continues to grow at a good pace and holds a strong position on the global map. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) has been growing at an average rate of 8.5 per cent for the last five years.

India’s economy is amongst the largest in the world on the basis of Purchasing Power Parity. It is today one of the most attractive destinations for business and investment opportunities with the available large manpower base, diversified natural resources and strong macroeconomic fundamentals. In FY 2011-12, the country attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of around US$ 46.8 billion in various sectors.

Advantage India

• World's largest democracy with 1.2 billion people
• Stable political environment and responsive administrative set up
• Well established judiciary to enforce rule of law
• Land of abundant natural resources and diverse climatic conditions
• India's growth will start to outpace China's within three to five years and hence, India will become the fastest large economy with 9-10 per cent growth over the next 20-25 years, according to a report by Morgan Stanley
• Investor friendly policies and incentive-based schemes
• India's economy will grow five-fold in the next 20 years, as per a study by McKinsey
• Cost competitiveness; low labour costs
• Total labour force of nearly 530 million

Investment Options for NRIs in India

India offers a stable, prosperous foundation to grow one’s business. It offers rich business opportunities and markets to non-resident Indians (NRIs) for new products and services. It is one of the fastest, easiest and lucrative investment destinations in the world to set up business. India is the second-most profitable destination, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Prospects Survey 2010-2012.

India is in the midst of rapid economic and social transition and is giving a feel good factor to the NRIs, especially the real estate sector. Returns from real estate investments have consistently performed well and have even outperformed other businesses in India.

The health care sector has also opened new business opportunities in India for NRIs to invest in the country because of the rise in disposable income, penetration of health insurance and change in lifestyle of present generation.

There are many other exciting business opportunities in India, especially, for entrepreneurs dealing in outsourcing technology, internet ventures, software development, e-commerce, etc.

Government’s intervention on policy issues, especially, tax regulations and FDI in sectors like retail, aviation etc. will play an important role in driving large transactions, especially, inbound deals. India’s growth story remains intact and NRIs can look forward to see better investment options in the second half of 2012.

Success Stories

India has witnessed a number of success stories - both Indian and multinational firms have registered higher profits, increased turnover and higher sales over the years. This has prompted them to reinvest profits and inject fresh capital into their processes in order to reap the benefits of the India growth story.

Investments have been made by Corporate across the board and almost all the sectors have seen inflow of funds. Global players such as Daimler Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony, Amway, Tupperware, Pepsico, McDonald's, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Aviva, Nortel, and Nokia among others have benefited from their business in India and have made expansion plans for the country. The companies plan to expand by way of product diversification, setting up manufacturing base in India, increasing the existing production capacity, establishing research centres in India, etc.

Business Opportunities for NRIs in Indian Market

India is the largest democracy in the world. The country ranks second in the world in terms of total population. The liberalisation and globalisation of the Indian economy has led to more foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in Indian markets. As a result, the scope for business in India has increased.

There are plenty of business opportunities in India for Foreign Investors, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Corporate Bodies (OCBs). The country offers liberal policy regime, along with easy availability of loans, funds and various other initiatives, which makes India a lucrative investment destination for NRIs and PIOs.

Some of the promising sectors where NRIs may invest include power, pharmaceuticals, mining, hotel & tourism, coal & ignites and other infrastructural projects. NRIs can also invest directly in Indian real estate except buying agricultural lands or plantations. They can look at huge number of central and state sponsored projects in key infrastructural sectors like education, healthcare and construction for higher returns.

Business Opportunities in India

Some of the major factors that help businesses in India to flourish include:

• High number of people with disposable income, emerging middle class, low cost competitive workforce, and investment friendly policies
• Availability of rich natural resources
• Availability of a considerable section of population proficient in English
• A well-established banking system consisting of public and private banks and other financial institutions
• Competitive advantage in Information Technology, which can be used to enhance productivity in Industries
• Improved infrastructure for business ventures

Steps for NRIs /PIOs to start business in India

• Applying and getting PIO card (Person of Indian origin) - to make investments in properties, etc
• Getting permanent account number (PAN card) from the Indian tax department, making it smoother to undertake all business and investment transactions above Rs. 50,000
• Selecting a right and highly profitable business in India among various available options
• Selecting an experienced person/ business professional to plan business and investments
• Selecting a business partner in India and start a business

Investors can also take the help of business incubators and facilitators to become established and sustainable during their start-up phase. Business incubators are programs designed to nurture the development of entrepreneurial companies. They provide the companies with business support services, business advice, assistance with business planning, market and international networks, and also help in obtaining finance. Incubators usually offer companies rental space with flexible leases, basic office services and access to equipments all under one-roof. Successful completion of a business incubation program increases the chances of a start-up company to stay in business in India for long term.

Government Initiatives

To attract foreign investment into India, the Government is offering several facilities to NRIs, PIOs and OCBs. The economic reforms have brought policy changes in terms of ease of entry, investment, location, usage of technology, import and export. These changes have created an investment-friendly environment, which results in more business opportunities in India.

NRIs are permitted to open bank accounts in India with funds remitted from abroad, foreign exchange brought in from abroad or with funds legitimately due to them in India, with authorised dealer.

Further, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted general permission to NRIs/PIOs, for undertaking direct investments in Indian companies under the automatic route.

NRIs Investment Options in India

India offers a stable, prosperous foundation to grow one’s business. It offers rich business opportunities and markets to non-resident Indians (NRIs) for new products and services. It is one of the fastest, easiest and lucrative investment destinations in the world to set up business. India is the second-most profitable destination, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Prospects Survey 2010-2012.

India is in the midst of rapid economic and social transition and is giving a feel good factor to the NRIs, especially the real estate sector. Returns from real estate investments in India have consistently performed well and have even outperformed other investment options. The Government of India has created many policies and schemes to maximize opportunities for NRIs looking to invest in Indian real estate sector. The rules have been liberalised to attract more and more investments. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed, both people residing outside India holding Indian passports and also person of Indian origin (PIO) to invest in residential as well as commercial properties in India. The purchase can be done out of funds remitted to India through normal banking channels or funds held in certain types of accounts in India. NRI can freely invest in any partnership or proprietorship firm (not engaged in agriculture/plantation/real estate) on a non-repatriable basis. The sale or transfer of shares and debentures to Indian residents is permissible.

The Government also offers huge investment opportunities in government securities, Unit Trust of India (UTI), National Saving Certificates, shares and mutual funds. NRIs/PIOs are permitted to invest in the foreign direct investment (FDI) scheme on a repatriation basis in equity shares/ Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS)/ Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs) of an Indian company. They are also permitted to make portfolio investments. The RBI has granted general permission to NRIs/PIOs, for undertaking direct investments in Indian companies, under the automatic route purchase of shares. The ‘24% Scheme’ permits Indian companies, apart from those operating in the agricultural sector, to issue 24% of their debentures and shares to NRIs with repatriation benefits.

The health care sector has also opened new business opportunities for NRIs/PIOs to invest in India because of the rise in disposable income, penetration of health insurance and unhealthy lifestyle of present generation.

With a huge agriculture sector, abundant livestock, and cost competitiveness; India is fast emerging as a sourcing hub of processed food. The food services sector in India is expected to witness a 50 per cent increase in investments in 2012 to about US$ 750 million, as food suppliers and retail companies plan to scale up business and stay competitive by tapping the large potential of the domestic market.

There are many other exciting business opportunities in India, especially, for entrepreneurs dealing in outsourcing technology, internet ventures, software development, e-commerce, etc.

Government’s intervention on policy issues, especially, tax regulations and FDI in sectors like retail, aviation etc. will play an important role in driving large transactions, especially, inbound deals. India’s growth story remains intact and NRIs/PIOs can look forward to see better investment options in 2nd half of 2012.

Investment Prospects for NRI’s in India

India is considered to be the second favourite destination for investors from other countries. India's unique and vast geography, endowed with diverse topography, has made it one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

The healthy growth of the Indian economy also becomes evident from the inflow of the foreign direct investment (FDI). Investment opportunities in India are plentiful. It becomes evident with the numerous MNC's not only trailing their products and services into the Indian markets but also coming forward to set up their manufacturing units in India.

The vast investment opportunities available and the positive investment climate in India have become a part of every business entrepreneur’s life. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has set up an Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) as a not-for-profit-trust, in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote investment opportunities amongst the overseas Indians.

Some of the fruitful investment options in India are:

Fixed deposits: It is the most common among the investment opportunities in India. These are safe investments and provide decent return.

Insurance sector: There are a lot of insurance companies emerging these days as the health is becoming less secured because of the unhealthy life style of present generation. Some of the common insurance policies are life insurance, health insurance, home insurance and the car insurance policies.

Investment in Stock: The investment in stock market in India is one of the fastest means of earning. As the stock prices are always fluctuating, the chances of risk are also high along with high profits.

Mutual Funds: It is a collective investment scheme that pools money from many investors or foreign investors in India to purchase securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments and similar assets. It is an easy and safe investment with periodic withdrawals.

Real Estate: The population in India is increasing and therefore land is always in demand. Besides the need to reside, the establishment of industries also requires land. The projection of real estate includes sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, housing, retail, commercial etc. Thus it is obvious that the cost of real estate is not going to fall down. Thus the investment opportunities in India are high and by investing in a land and selling it on demand by others is an easy source to earn money.

Also, there are many other exciting business investment opportunities in India, especially, for industrialists dealing in outsourcing technology, internet ventures, software development, e-commerce, etc.

The Government of India is trying to accommodate and utilise the conducive investment climate of the country by relaxing and even introducing new policies. The change in government policy, availability of cheap resources, strong operational units, etc. are the important reasons for FDI in India. It is important for foreign investors in India to have some trend analysis of investment scope before they plan to start or set up a business in India, thus the role of investment advisors to prepare extensive investment guides to help and direct the trade investments and the scope of foraying into a particular business in India becomes crucial.

India: Hotspot Investment Destination for Foreign Investors

India is the largest democracy in the world. It ranks second in terms of population. The policy of liberalization has transformed the prospects for the Indian economy. Today India is one of the favorite destinations for global investments. The major investors in India are Mauritius, Singapore, the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany, etc. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India went up by 31 per cent to US$ 27.5 billion last year. The sectors that attracted maximum FDI last year include services (financial and non financial), telecom, housing and real estate, and construction and power.

The government has come up with several incentives like import of capital goods at concessional customs duty, liberalisation of external commercial borrowing norms, tax holiday to encourage investments, etc. "The government should allow 100 per cent FDI in sectors like domestic airlines and insurance sector to boost inflows and generate employment, "as per Rajiv Kumar, Secretary General, FICCI. Sectors like automobiles, chemicals, food processing, oil and natural gas, petrochemicals, power, services and telecommunications have witnessed tremendous investments.

Investment options in India

There are number of options available for foreign investment in India for both short term and long term. The major options are real estate, bonds, mutual funds, money markets, gold, and financial assets (non-marketable, LIC policies & equity shares). Today, there are businesses and industries that are even 100% open for such investment. Some of the sectors that are still not open for foreign investment include, rail transport, lottery business, tobacco business, certain agricultural activities, atomic energy, mineral oils, etc.

Who can invest in India?

There are following categories of non-Indian resident who may invest in the capital of Indian Company:

• A non-resident entity (other than citizen of Pakistan)
• A citizen or entity of Bangladesh under Government route.
• NRI resident as well as citizen of Nepal and Bhutan on repatriation basis.
• Sebi registered NRIs through a registered broker on recognised India stock exchange.
• Foreign venture capital investor registered by Sebi.
• An FII (foreign institutional investor) may invest in the capital of an Indian company under the portfolio investment scheme.

Business Opportunities in India

There are various factors that create favorable business opportunities in India are:

• There are huge business opportunities in Indian retail sector as people have become more conscious about branded products. Improvement in purchasing power and huge middle class population results in the growth of the economy.
• India's competitive advantage in information technology can be used to enhance productivity in industries.
• Availability of large number of technical manpower has led to the expansion of manufacturing base across different industries.
• India's rich natural resources, availability of better infrastructure, well established banking system, better agriculture, etc. have created more investment opportunities.
• The capital markets in India are one of the fastest growing markets in the world, attracting huge investments from foreign institutional investors.
• The economic reforms have brought in policy changes in terms of freedom of entry, investment, location, usage of technology, import and export. These changes have created an investment friendly environment.

Investment Scenario in Indian Power Sector

Indian power industry has a long way to go. India’s fast-paced economic growth and its rapid rate of industrialisation and urbanisation have fuelled an increased demand for energy.

India has made remarkable progress in the power sector during the eleventh plan. The sector ranked sixth among the leading sectors of the Indian economy and has attracted US$ 4.6 billion in foreign direct investment since 2000. There are three major pillars of the sector - generation, transmission, and distribution. Generation is further divided into central sector (Public Sector Undertakings), state sector, and private sector, which constitutes total installed capacity of 31.21 per cent, 47.49 per cent and 21.17 per cent respectively.

Investment in Power Sector

With the population increasing at a rapid pace and a wide gap between demand and supply, the Indian energy sector offers strong opportunity to industry participants. After China and the US, India has been ranked as the third best investment destination in renewable energy sector.

The power sector in India requires an investment of up to US$ 400 billion in a span of five years to end on March 2017, according to P. Uma Shankar, Secretary, Ministry of Power, India.

The organised trading business in energy sector is set to be opened up for NRI invest in India. This attracts foreign funds to invest in the Indian power industry. 26 per cent FDI will be allowed at par with the level of commodity exchanges in the sector.

Investment Opportunities and Future Prospects

If India continues to grow at the current rate, the Indian economy would emerge as the second largest in the world, next only to China, by the year 2050. It is therefore expected that, the demand for energy would also rise substantially in the future.

US companies investing in India's green energy market will have good prospects and it will be a win-win situation for both the countries.

The generation capacity of the country stands at over 180 MW (as in August, 2011) with a dominant share of the state sector. The private sector, which currently contributes around 22 per cent of the generation capacity, is expected to increase its share to 52 per cent by 2017.

Government Initiatives

Indian Government has proposed various proposals in the budget 2012 to stimulate investments in power sector in India, which provides a massive opportunity to the American companies.

In order to attract NRI invest in India, FDI up to 100 per cent is permitted under automatic route for projects of electricity generation (except atomic energy), transmission, distribution and power trading.

The Government of India is working on the plan to generate 470 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear energy by 2050, announced in 2009. Thus, it opens the door for huge opportunities in the sector.

The Government has planned to set up four solar thermal power projects through the solar energy corporation of India.

Being one of the fastest growing economies and the second largest populated country, India represents an attractive investment destination for the power industry.

Increasing Investment Opportunities in India

India has become one of the fastest growing economies. Investment growth is eventually linked to the growth of the economy. So most of the investors look for emerging markets like India, where the growth rate is higher than the developed economies. Investing in India is becoming a big attraction for the foreign investors especially due to the booming Indian economy.

Every individual wants to invest his/her money in the right means. There are various wonderful investment options in India. The challenge is to find out the right option that can not only offer flexibility, but also provide good returns in the future.

Top investment options in India

Bank Fixed deposits (FD)
This is considered to be a safe investment and generates stable income. The minimum tenure of FD is 15 days and maximum 5 years and above. Senior citizens get special interest rates on fixed deposits. The period of ideal investment is 6-12 months.

National Saving Certificate (NSC)
It is one of the safe investment options in India backed by government. The lock-in period is 6 years. Minimum amount required is Rs100 and there is no upper limit. Since the NSC comes under section 80 C, it also entitles the individual to get tax deductions up to Rs 1Lac

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is also monitored and backed up by the government of India. A minimum investment of Rs 500 and maximum Rs 1, 00,000 is required to be deposited in a fiscal year. This includes fixed-income investment for high tax payers with low risk. Any individual in India can invest in this scheme and can earn a handsome tax free return. The lock-in period is 15 years and the interest rate is 8.8 per cent calculated annually.

Stock market
Investing in share market is another investment option to get more returns. But share market investment is volatile to market conditions. Investing in the stock markets potentially yield higher profits.

Mutual Funds
Mutual Fund companies collect money from investors and invest in share market. Investing in mutual funds is also subject to market risks but return is good.

Other investments
There are various other options for business investors in India like real estate, gold and private equity available in the country. One needs to be sure of the authenticity of the organisation, interest rates, benefits and conditions before investing.

Foreign Investment in India

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India is possible through automatic route (which does not require any approval) and government route (which requires approval).There are set of guidelines provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (sebi) for NRI investment in India.

The government of India has created a favorable climate for foreign investors like tax exemptions, benefits from the state and central government bodies, etc. A foreign company could invest in India either by having a wholly owned subsidiary i.e. by having a joint venture with an Indian company or by having a branch office.

There are various investment options and opportunities available in India. However, it is important to invest in that instrument which suits the individual in terms of investment amount and risk.

FDI is a source of Indian Economic Growth

India is developing into an open-market economy. It is the fourth preferred destination for foreign investment just after the United States, China and Britain. India attracted overseas investment of US $8.1 billion in March, the highest ever monthly inflows. Cumulative FDI inflows for the fiscal 2011-12 amounted to US $36.50 billion.

The Indian economy has continuously recorded high growth rates and become an attractive destination for investment. Government offers various facilities to non-Indian resident to attract foreign investment in India. The factors that attract investment in India are stable economic policies, availability of cheap and quality human resources, and new unexplored markets. The government has taken various initiatives like - allowing foreign education providers to set up campuses in India, FDI in limited liability partnership firms, etc.

Impact of FDI on Indian economy

Foreign direct investment in India has enabled the country to attain a certain degree of financial stability and economic growth with the help of investments in different sectors. After liberalization of trade policies in India, there has been a positive GDP growth rate in country’s economy.

Foreign investment in India helps in developing the economy by generating employment, generating revenues in the form of tax and incomes, development of infrastructure, backward and forward linkages to the domestic firms for the requirements of raw materials, tools, business infrastructure, etc.

How to make FDI in India

Foreign direct investment in India is permitted in the form of financial collaborations, joint ventures, technical collaborations, capital markets and private placements.

Foreign investors are free to invest in India except few areas. There are some activities and sectors which require prior approval of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for e.g. manufacture of cigarettes and tobacco, manufacture of electronic aerospace and defence equipments, manufacture of items exclusively reserved for small scale sector with more than 24 per cent overseas investment and all other proposals falling outside notified sectoral policy.

The foreign investors can invest in India in two ways:

Incorporation of an Indian company: The foreign investor can set up a separate legal entity in India under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956. The foreign investors can invest in such Indian company up to 100 per cent of capital based on sectoral guidelines specified by the Government of India.

Unincorporated entity: A foreign company can operate in India, by establishing a Branch Office of the other place of business (foreign entity), subject to conditions and activities permitted under the Foreign Exchange Management Regulations.

Who can invest in India?

A non-resident of India (other than a citizen of Pakistan or an entity incorporated in Pakistan) can invest in India, subject to the FDI Policy under automatic or government route plans.

Qualified financial Investors (QFIs) are permitted to invest through SEBI registered Depository Participants only in the equity shares of listed Indian companies through recognised stock exchanges in India under various SEBI guidelines.

Foreign institutional investors are allowed to invest in the capital markets in India through the portfolio investment scheme (PIS). Under this scheme, FIIs can acquire shares or debentures of Indian companies with the help of stock exchanges in India.