FDI in India: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities, Policy | IBEF (2024)

Introduction

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), in addition to being a key driver of economic growth, has been a significant non-debt financial resource for India's economic development. Foreign corporations invest in India to benefit from the country's particular investment privileges such as tax breaks and comparatively lower salaries. This helps India develop technological know-how and create jobs as well as other benefits. These investments have been coming into India because of the government's supportive policy framework, vibrant business climate, rising global competitiveness and economic influence.

The government has recently made numerous efforts, including easing FDI regulations in various industries, PSUs, oil refineries, telecom and defence. India's FDI inflows reached record levels during 2020-21. The total FDI inflows stood at US$ 81,973 million, a 10% increase over the previous financial year. According to the World Investment Report 2022, India was ranked eighth among the world's major FDI recipients in 2020, up from ninth in 2019. Information and technology, telecommunication and automobile were the major receivers of FDI in FY22. With the help of significant transactions in the technology and health sectors, multinational companies (MNCs) have pursued strategic collaborations with top domestic business groupings, fuelling an increase in cross-border M&A of 83% to US$ 27 billion.

FDI in India: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities, Policy | IBEF (1)

Market Size

India's FDI inflows have increased 20 times from 2000-01 to 2021-22. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India's cumulative FDI inflow stood at US$ 871.01 billion between April 2000-June 2022; this was mainly due to the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business and relax FDI norms. The total FDI inflow into India from January to March 2022 stood at US$ 22.03 billion, while the FDI equity inflow for the same period was US$ 15.59 billion. From April 2021-March 2022, India's computer software and hardware industry attracted the highest FDI equity inflow amounting to US$ 14.46 billion, followed by the automobile industry at US$ 6.99 billion, trading at US$ 4.53 billion and construction activities at US$ 3.37 billion. India also had major FDI flows coming from Singapore at US$ 15.87 billion, followed by the US (US$ 10.54 billion), Mauritius (US$ 9.39 billion) and the Netherlands (US$ 4.62 billion). The state that received the highest FDI during this period was Karnataka at US$ 22.07 billion, followed by Maharashtra (US$ 15.43 billion), Delhi (US$ 8.18 billion), Gujarat (US$ 2.70 billion) and Haryana (US$ 2.79 billion). In 2022 (until August 2022) India received 811 Industrial Investment Proposals which were valued at Rs. 352,697 crores (US$ 42.78 billion).

FDI in India: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities, Policy | IBEF (2)

Investments/Developments

India has become an attractive destination for FDI in recent years, influenced by various factors which have boosted FDI. India ranked 68th in the Global Competitive Index; the economy showed significant resilience during the pandemic. India was also named as the 48th most innovative country among the top 50 countries. These factors have boosted FDI investments in India. Some of the recent investments are as follows:

  • From April-June 2022, India’s Computer Software & Hardware industry received and FDI investments of US$ 3,427 million.
  • In May 2022, India received FDI investments of Rs. 494 crore (US$ 61.91 million) in the defence manufacturing sector.
  • In May 2022, Italian financial services major Generali completed the acquisition of a 25% stake in Future Generali India Insurance from Future Enterprises for Rs. 1,252.96 crore (US$ 161.92 million).
  • In May 2022, GenWorks Health secured a second round of funding worth Rs. 135 crore (US$ 17.44 million) from a consortium of investors, including Somerset Indus Capital Partners, Morgan Stanley, through its funding arm Grand Vista, Evolvence and Wipro GE.
  • In May 2022, Toplyne, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) start-up, raised US$ 15 million in a funding round led by Tiger Global and Sequoia Capital India.
  • In May 2022, Kiranakart Technologies Pvt. Ltd, which runs the 10-minute grocery delivery platform Zepto, raised US$ 200 million in a Series D funding round led by Y Combinator's Continuity Fund, which valued it at US$ 900 million.
  • In May 2022, KoinBasket, a thematic crypto investment star-tup, raised US$ 2 million in a pre-seed funding round.
  • In May 2022, Invictus Insurance Broking Services Pvt. Ltd, which runs insurtech platform Turtlemint Insurance Services Pvt. Ltd, raised US$ 120 million in a Series E funding round led by Amansa Capital, Jungle Ventures and Nexus Venture Partners.
  • In May 2022, Jaipur-based online furniture and home decor platform Woodenstreet.com raised around US$ 30 million in a Series B funding round led by WestBridge Capital.
  • In May 2022, B2B cross-border tech platform Geniemode received US$ 28 million in a Series B funding round led by Tiger Global and Info Edge Ventures.
  • In January 2022, Google announced a US$ 1 billion investment in Indian telecom Bharti Airtel, which includes an equity investment of US$ 700 million for a 1.28% stake in the company, and US$ 300 million for a potential future investment in areas such as smartphone access, networks and the cloud.
  • In 2021, India received R&D investments of Rs. 343.64 million (US$ 4.35 million); this was 516% higher compared to the previous calendar year.
  • Canada's pension fund investment board invested Rs. 1,200 crore (US$ 160.49 million) as an anchor investor in the IPO of multiple Indian companies: One97 Communications (Paytm), Zomato, FSN E-Commerce Ventures (Nykaa) and PB Fintech.
  • The FDI in India's renewable energy sector stood at US$ 1.03 billion for the first half of FY2021-22.

Government Initiatives

In recent years, India has become an attractive destination for FDI because of favourable government policies. India has developed various schemes and policies that have helped boost India's FDI. These schemes have prompted India's FDI investment, especially in upcoming sectors such as defence manufacturing, real estate, and research and development. Some of the major government initiatives are:

  • The Government of India increased FDI in the defence sector by increasing it to 74% through the automatic route and 100% through the government route.
  • The government has amended rules of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), allowing up to 20% FDI in insurance company LIC through the automatic route.
  • The government is considering easing scrutiny on certain FDIs from countries that share a border with India.
  • The implementation of measures such as PM Gati Shakti, single window clearance and GIS-mapped land bank are expected to push FDI inflows in 2022.
  • The government is likely to introduce at least three policies as part of the Space Activity Bill in 2022. This bill is expected to clearly define the scope of FDI in the Indian space sector.
  • In September 2021, India and the UK agreed for an investment boost to strengthen bilateral ties for an 'enhanced trade partnership'.
  • In September 2021, the Union Cabinet announced that to boost the telecom sector, it will allow 100% FDI via the automatic route, up from the previous 49%.
  • In August 2021, the government amended the Foreign Exchange Management (non-debt instruments) Rules, 2019, to allow the 74% increase in FDI limit in the insurance sector.

Road ahead

India has recently become a major global hub for FDIs. According to a survey, India was among the top three global FDI destinations; about 80% of the global respondents had plans to invest in India. Furthermore, in recent years, India has provided huge corporate tax cuts and simplified labour laws. The country has also reduced its restrictions on FDI; overall FDI restrictions have reduced from 0.42 to 0.21 in the last 16 years. India has remained an attractive market for international investors in terms of short- and long-term prospects. India's low-skill manufacturing is one of the most promising industries for FDI. India has also developed excellent government efficiency. Its developments in government efficiency are primarily due to relatively stable public finances (despite COVID-induced challenges) and optimistic sentiment among Indian business stakeholders concerning the funding and subsidies offered by the government to private firms. All these factors together may help India attract FDI worth US$ 120-160 billion per year by 2025.

FDI in India: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities, Policy | IBEF (3)

22 Dec 22

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) brought investment of US$ 1,522.23 million in the textile sector from 2017-2022

21 Dec 22

Singapore commits investment worth US$ 200 billion (Rs. 20,000 crore) to Uttar Pradesh

8 Dec 22

Centre’s reforms result in consistent increase of FDI inflow; FDI grows from US$ 45.15 billion in 2014-15 to US$ 84.84 billion in 2021-22

26 Sep 22

'Make in India' completes eight years, annual FDI nearly doubles to US$ 83 billion

26 Sep 22

India on track to attract US$ 100 billion FDI this fiscal on back of reforms: Government

FDI in India: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities, Policy | IBEF (2024)

FAQs

FDI in India: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities, Policy | IBEF? ›

The maximum permissible investment by an FII in an Indian company is 24% of the paid-up capital, with a 2% lower cut-off, while there is no such limit for FDI. FDI is considered a more stable form of foreign investment as compared to FII, which is known as “hot money” due to its quick entry and exit from investments.

What are the FDI policies in India? ›

Investment climate in India has improved considerably since the opening up of the economy in 1991.
  • Category 1. 100% FDI Permitted through. Automatic Route.
  • Category 2. UPTO100% FDI Permitted through. Government Route.
  • Category 3. UPTO100% FDI Permitted through. Government + Automatic Route.

What is the FDI policy of FII in India? ›

The maximum permissible investment by an FII in an Indian company is 24% of the paid-up capital, with a 2% lower cut-off, while there is no such limit for FDI. FDI is considered a more stable form of foreign investment as compared to FII, which is known as “hot money” due to its quick entry and exit from investments.

Does India allow foreign direct investment? ›

India continues to be an attractive destination for foreign investment, ranking as the world's seventh-largest recipient of FDI in 2021. FDI is regulated primarily by India's Department of Promotion of Industry and International Trade (DPIIT), under its Foreign Exchange Management Act regime (FEMA Regime).

What is the FDI to India in 2023? ›

In FY 2023, India received equity inflows worth US$46.03 billion. The total FDI inflows received in FY 2023, which includes equity inflows, reinvested earnings, and other capital sources, amounted to US$70.97 billion – a decrease from the US$84.83 billion recorded during FY 2022.

What is FDI policy in India introduction? ›

On 25 September 2014, Government of India launched Make in India initiative in which policy statement on 25 sectors were released with relaxed norms on each sector. Following are some of major sectors for Foreign Direct Investment.

What is the importance of FDI policy in India? ›

It provides the country in which the investment is occurring with several tools, which they can leverage to their advantage. For instance, when FDI occurs, the recipient businesses are provided with access to the latest tools in finance, technology and operational practices.

What is FII advantage in India? ›

Benefits of FII

FIIs will increase capital inflows into the country. They also contribute to economic development by making long-term capital available for projects. FII focuses on equity rather than debt which helps in maintaining and improving the capital of the company they are investing in.

What is the difference between FDI and FII India? ›

FDI stands for Foreign Direct Investment, which means investing in a country other than your home country. It involves direct capital inflows from one country to another. FII stands for Foreign Institutional Investors, these are large companies and institutions that invest in overseas countries' financial markets.

What is difference between FPI and FII? ›

FII portfolio investments are both widely traded and highly liquid. An FPI investor has the luxury of exiting their investment with a few clicks of their mouse. Hence, these types of investments do not require as much planning and may also be considered more volatile due to being highly liquid.

How do foreign investors invest in India? ›

By forming a company under the Companies Act of 1956. Wholly owned subsidiaries or joint ventures. Liaison Office / Representative Office Project Office Branch Office as a foreign entity's office.

Who can invest in India through FDI? ›

Eligible investors can invest in most of the sectors of Indian Economy on an automatic basis. Any Non-resident individual (NRI)/Entity can invest subject to FDI policy (except in prohibited sectors).

What is India's top foreign direct investment? ›

Economic Survey 2023: India received the highest-ever FDI inflows of $ 84.8 bn in services in FY22. Economic survey by CEA V Anantha Nageswaran was tabled in the parliament on Tuesday by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a day before she presents the budget for the next fiscal year.

Who are the top 5 FDI investors in India? ›

Top investor countries in India in FY 2023. In FY 2023, Singapore accounted for maximum inward FDI in India at US$17.20 billion, followed by Mauritius (US$6.13 billion), the US (US$6.04 billion), UAE (US$3.35 billion), and the Netherlands (US$2.49 billion).

Which country has the highest FDI in India in 2023? ›

During the first half of this fiscal, Singapore emerged as the top investor. It was followed by Mauritius, the U.A.E., the U.S.A., the Netherlands and Japan.

Which country has highest FDI in 2023? ›

Download Table Data
Country2023 Population
India1,428,627,663
China1,425,671,352
United States339,996,563
Indonesia277,534,122
222 more rows

Who regulates FDI policy In India? ›

To regulate foreign investment, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had published the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident Outside India) Regulations 2000 and thereafter the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India) Regulations ...

Why is FDI low in India? ›

Some of the major impediments for India's poor performance in the area of FDI are: political instability, poor infrastructure, confusing tax and tariff policies, Draconian labor laws, well entrenched corruption and governmental regulations.

How many routes of FDI flows are allowed in India? ›

Basically, there are two routes for FDI in India. There is the Automatic Route, where no approval or authority is required by the private foreign investor. He can invest in any company it wishes with no need for government approval. And then there is the Government Route.

What are the important roles plays by FDI in a developing country like India? ›

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is often seen as important catalysts for economic growth in the developing countries like India. FDI affects the economic growth by stimulating domestic investment, increasing human capital formation and by facilitating the technology transfer in the host countries.

What is the role of FII in the growth and development of India? ›

Developing country like India will be able to develop with adequate flow of foreign capital. Foreign Institutional Investors help to supplement the domestic savings and meet the capital requirements. FII flows are fluctuating in nature and India is among the best performers in the stock market.

What is the role of FII in Indian economic growth? ›

Only through the country's portfolio investment scheme (PIS) can the FIIs invest in India's primary and secondary capital markets. Through this scheme, FIIs are allowed to purchase shares and debentures of Indian companies on the normal public exchanges in India.

What is the impact of FII in Indian market? ›

How do FIIs and DIIs impact the stock market? FIIs and DIIs usually form about 35% of the activity of India's stock exchange activity and heavily influence the stock markets. When an FII or a DII invests in a company, it usually gives confidence to a large number of retail and individual investors.

What is an example of FII in India? ›

Top FIIs in India
  • Reliance Industries.
  • ICICI Bank.
  • Infosys.
  • Bajaj Finance.
  • Housing Development Finance Corporation.
  • Larsen and Toubro.
  • Bharti Airtel.
  • Axis Bank.
Jul 24, 2022

Which of the following are the types of FIIs investing in India? ›

Here is a list of foreign institutional types investing in India.
  • Pension funds.
  • Investment trusts.
  • Banks.
  • Sovereign Wealth Funds.
  • Asset Management Company.
  • Insurance/Reinsurance Companies.
  • Foreign Central Banks.
  • Foreign Government Agencies.

What is FDI advantages and disadvantages? ›

FDI Advantages And Disadvantages In Tabular Form
AdvantagesDisadvantages
1. Capital Infusion and Job Creation1. Risk of Political Instability
2. Transfer of Technology and Skills2. Negative Effects on Domestic Firms
3. Increased Competition and Productivity3. Dependence on Foreign Investment
2 more rows
Mar 31, 2023

What are the examples of FII? ›

FIIs can include hedge funds, insurance companies, pension funds, investment banks, and mutual funds.

Is FPI more risky than FDI? ›

FPI is typically made to diversify investment portfolios, participate in the growth of foreign economies, and take advantage of short-term market opportunities. Risks: FDI involves higher risks than FPI.

What are the examples of FDI and FII? ›

FDI includes investments in high-yielding assets such as the plant and machinery of a business. FII includes investments in financial assets such as stocks, mutual funds, insurance companies etc.

Do foreign investors pay taxes In India? ›

Foreign investment depends on various criteria, including portfolio diversification, returns, and risk. Depending on the returns, a resident's overseas investments are also taxable in India. Overseas Equity Investments: These investments are taxed under short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains.

Who are the 5 largest investors of FDI? ›

10 Countries That Receive the Most Foreign Direct Investment
  • U.S.
  • U.K.
  • China.
  • Netherlands.
  • Ireland.
  • Brazil.
  • Singapore.
  • Germany.

Can overseas citizen of India invest In India? ›

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) are treated on par with Non Resident Indian (NRIs) in all transactions barring the purchase of agricultural or plantation property. That means an OCI and POI can invest in Indian mutual funds.

Why FDI is increasing in India? ›

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India's cumulative FDI inflow stood at US$ 871.01 billion between April 2000-June 2022; this was mainly due to the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business and relax FDI norms.

Why FDI increased in India? ›

Economic growth and employment: A major benefit of FDI is the economic development of a recipient country. Increased FDI enhances both the services sector and the development industry. This increases the employment rate in a country by giving opportunities to trained young people and professional workers.

Which state has highest FDI in India? ›

The combined tally of investment of three years makes Maharashtra the most attractive investment destination, states the survey.

What percentage of FDI is allowed In India? ›

FDI limit in various sectors of the Economy (Consolidated FDI Policy)
Sector% of equity/FDI CapEntry Route
Multi-brand retail trading51%Government
Single Brand product retail trading100%Automatic up to 49% Government route beyond 49%
Cash & Carry Wholesale Trading/Wholesale Trading100%Automatic
Mar 13, 2022

How much FDI does India receive over years? ›

India foreign direct investment for 2020 was $64.36B, a 27.17% increase from 2019. India foreign direct investment for 2019 was $50.61B, a 20.17% increase from 2018. India foreign direct investment for 2018 was $42.12B, a 5.38% increase from 2017.

Why does Singapore invest in India? ›

No Capital Gains Tax

Another benefit of a Singapore holding company is that the country doesn't have a capital gains tax regime. Income tax is only imposed on the gain on disposal of shares/investments if the gain is regarded as a revenue gain sourced in Singapore.

What are the effects of FDI inflows in India? ›

The inflow of FDI shows a positive and upward trend and it is seen to have a huge impact on the growth of Indian economy during these years. FDI is seen as a source of filling foreign exchange reserves, trade deficits, revenue, management, and technical gaps in economies like India.

Who are the top FDI investors in India 2023? ›

Economic Survey 2023: During the first half of this fiscal, Singapore emerged as the top investor. It was followed by Mauritius, the UAE, the USA, the Netherlands and Japan.

Which country is the leading source of FDI in the United States? ›

In 2021, no country had a higher foreign direct investment (FDI) position in the United States than Japan, followed by the Netherlands and Canada. At that time, Japan had over 690 billion U.S. dollars invested in the United States.

Which country has lowest FDI? ›

Percent of world Foreign Direct Investment, 2020 - Country rankings: The average for 2020 based on 186 countries was 0.54 percent. The highest value was in China: 21.36 percent and the lowest value was in Switzerland: -21.72 percent. The indicator is available from 1993 to 2020.

What are FDI policies? ›

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an ownership stake in a foreign company or project made by an investor, company, or government from another country.

What is FDI policy in India 2012? ›

The GOI approved 100 percent FDI in single-brand retail in January 2012 and relaxed certain provisions in a separate September 14, 2012 announcement. Chiefly, foreign investors need not be the owner of the retail brand and companies can source products from any Indian supplier.

How many types of FDI are there in India? ›

What are the three types of foreign direct investment? Vertical FDI. Conglomerate FDI. Platform FDI.

What is FDI Policy 2010 India? ›

4 (i) An FII may invest in the capital of an Indian company either under the FDI Scheme/Policy or the Portfolio Investment Scheme. 10% individual limit and 24% aggregate limit for FII investment would still be applicable even when FIIs invest under the FDI scheme/policy.

What are the three basic investment policies? ›

Safety, income, and capital gains are the big three objectives of investing.

In which sectors FDI is allowed in India? ›

This includes:
  • Floriculture, Horticulture, and vegetables, fruits, and mushroom cultivation.
  • Production of seeds.
  • Any form of animal husbandry (including dogs)
  • Pisciculture.
  • Aquaculture.
  • Apiculture.
  • Agro services.
  • Air Transport Services:

Who regulates FDI policy in India? ›

To regulate foreign investment, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had published the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident Outside India) Regulations 2000 and thereafter the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident outside India) Regulations ...

What is the history of FDI policy in India? ›

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India was introduced in the 1991 under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) implemented by the then finance minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. It commenced with the baseline of 1 billion dollars in 1990.

What is FDI policy in India since 1991? ›

ADVERTIsem*nTS: Actual inflows as per cent of approvals which was 48.0 per cent in 1991, gradually declined to 13.0 per cent in 1992 and then it increased to 22.0 per cent, 19.0 per cent and 21 per cent in 1994, 1995 and 1997 respectively.

Who is the biggest FDI In India? ›

From April 2000 to March 2023, Mauritius was the top source of FDI equity inflow into India, accounting for 26 percent of investments worth US$163.87 billion. Singapore emerged as the second largest investor, contributing 23 percent of the investments in India during this period – valued at US$148.16 billion.

Who is India's largest FDI investor? ›

During the first half of this fiscal, Singapore emerged as the top investor. It was followed by Mauritius, the U.A.E., the U.S.A., the Netherlands and Japan.

What is India's top FDI? ›

Economic Survey 2023: India received the highest-ever FDI inflows of $ 84.8 bn in services in FY22. Economic survey by CEA V Anantha Nageswaran was tabled in the parliament on Tuesday by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a day before she presents the budget for the next fiscal year.

What are the recent FDI reforms in India? ›

The government has allowed FDI up to 100% and this reform in this sector is the third major one in the last one year-the first was government allowed FDI to the tune of 49%, followed by The Defence Procurement Policy and third being the latest reform.

Why has FDI changed in India? ›

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India's cumulative FDI inflow stood at US$ 871.01 billion between April 2000-June 2022; this was mainly due to the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business and relax FDI norms.

How has FDI changed in India since 1990? ›

Since 1991 FDI inflows in India has increased approximately by more than 165 times. Keywords: economic development, economic reform, FDI, foreign capital, liberalization. FDI play multidimensional role in the overall development of the host country.

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