India's FDI Policy - IndBiz | Economic Diplomacy Division (2024)

With a view to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Government of India has put in place a liberal policy under which FDI up to 100% is permitted under the automatic route in most sectors/activities. Significant changes have been made in the FDI policy regime in recent times to ensure that India remains an increasingly attractive investment destination.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,is the nodal department for the formulation of the Government’s policy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). It is also responsible for the maintenance and management of data on inward FDI into India, based on the remittance reported by the Reserve Bank of India.

DPIIT has been undertaking various initiatives and reforms such as the launching of Make in India, supporting champion sectors and subsectors, setting up of an EGoS and Project Development Cells, creating a GIS based Industrial Information System and National Investment Clearance Cell amongst others. These activities are being supported under the Scheme for Investment Promotion (SIP) launched in 2008. The Government has approved the continuation of SIP, for a further duration of five years (FY 2021- 22 to 2025-26) with a financial outlay of Rs. 9.70 billion, vide Notification dated 29 November 2021.
The Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS), constituted by the Investment Promotion Section of DPIIT, provides support and facilitation to investors for investing in India and to boost growth in key sectors of the economy.

Project Development Cells have been set up in 29 departments to fast-track investment by facilitating coordination between the central and state governments. The Cells enhance the pipeline of investible projects in India and in turn increase domestic investment and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.

The FDI Policy framework is embodied in the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular, as amended from time to time. The currently effective Consolidated FDI Policy Circular was issued by DPIIT on October 15, 2020. For more information on FDI Policy, clickhere.

The objective of the FDI Policy is to attract and promote foreign direct investment to supplement domestic capital, technology, and skills, for accelerated economic growth.

FDI is subject to compliance with all relevant sectoral laws, regulations, rules, security conditions, and state/local laws/regulations.

The sectoral caps for FDI are detailed in Chapter 5 of the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular. In sectors/activities not listed in Chapter 5, FDI is permitted up to100%.

Entry Routes for Investment

FDI ispermitted either through the Automatic Route or the Government Route.

Automatic Route

No prior approval is required for FDI under the automatic route, only information to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) within 30 days of inward remittances or issue of shares to non-residents is required. RBI has prescribed a new form,Form FC-GPR (instead of earlier FC-RBI) for reporting shares issued to foreign investors by an Indian company.

For list of sectors/activities under Automatic route, please refer Chapter 5 of the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular.

Government Route

Foreign investment proposals not covered under the ‘Automatic Route’ are considered for Governmental Approval by the respective competent authority / Administrative Ministry/Department. Please refer section 4.1 of the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular for a list of Competent Authorities.

DPIIT oversees the applications filed on the Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal and forwards them to the concerned administrative ministry (competent authority)

DPIIT is the administrative ministry for FDI proposals by Non Resident lndians (NRl)/ Export Oriented Units (EOU’s) requiring approval of the Government.

Approval letters in standard format are uploaded on the portal for the benefit of investors. AnSOPis being followed to process FDI applications.

FDI proposals involving total foreign equity inflow of more than Rs 50 billion, are referred to Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

For a list of sectors/activities under Automatic route, please refer Chapter 5 of the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular.

Prohibited Sectors

Sectors prohibited for FDI are listed in section 5.1 of the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular, as amended from time to time. Click here.

Key contacts:

Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal,
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Udyog Bhawan,
Government of India, North Block, New Delhi 110 001
Email:
Tel:011-23062096

Chief General Manager,
Reserve Bank of India,
Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Division,
Exchange Control Department,
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai – 400001.
Tel.:+ 91-22-2266 1603; Fax + 91-22-2266 5330

For more details, please refer the following:

  • FDI Policy circulars and Press Notes issued by DPIIT
  • FDI Policy Clarifications issued byDPIIT
India's FDI Policy - IndBiz | Economic Diplomacy Division (2024)

FAQs

India's FDI Policy - IndBiz | Economic Diplomacy Division? ›

The objective of the FDI Policy is to attract and promote foreign direct investment to supplement domestic capital, technology, and skills, for accelerated economic growth. FDI is subject to compliance with all relevant sectoral laws, regulations, rules, security conditions, and state/local laws/regulations.

What is the FDI policy of India? ›

India regulates FDI based on the industry in which the investment would be made using its FDI Policy. In most sectors, FDI is approved via two routes: the automatic route and the approval route. FDI approved under either channel is subject to a cap and/or conditions in certain sectors.

Who regulates FDI policy in India? ›

Foreign investment in India is principally governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA) and the regulations framed thereunder, which consolidate the law relating to foreign exchange in India.

What is the policy framework for FDI in Indian context? ›

FDI Policy permits FDI up to 100 % from foreign/NRI investor without prior approval in most of the sectors including the services sector under automatic route. FDI in sectors/activities under automatic route does not require any prior approval either by the Government or the RBI.

Which country has highest FDI in India? ›

In financial year 2022, Singapore accounted for the highest FDI equity inflow to India, which was valued at over 17 billion U.S. dollars, followed by the Singapore with over six billion dollars. Singapore accounted for roughly 30 percent of total FDI inflows in fiscal year 2023.

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.

Which FDI is prohibited in India? ›

The present policy prohibits Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the following sectors: Gambling and Betting; Lottery business (including government/ private lottery, online lotteries etc); Activities /sectors which are not open to private sector investment (eg, atomic energy /railways);

Where is FDI headquarters in India? ›

Where is FDI India 's headquarters? FDI India is located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India . Who are FDI India 's competitors? Alternatives and possible competitors to FDI India may include SBI Mutual Fund , HGI Capital Group , and Nair Ventures .

Who regulates FDI and FII in India? ›

Investments by FIIs/FPIs in India are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) while the ceilings on such investments are maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Following are the few types of FIIs investing in India: Hedge Funds.

What is the meaning of FDI policy? ›

A foreign direct investment refers to a purchase of a particular organisation's interest by another foreign organisation. Such an organisation or investor is located in a different country than the organisation whose interest is purchased.

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.

Who are the 5 largest investors of FDI 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).

Why has FDI increased 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.

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.

Is FDI good or bad for India? ›

FDI provides India with stability in inflows of funds, access to international markets, export growth, technological transfer, and skills to improve the balance of payment. But FDI doesn't guarantee a high growth rate.

What are the two main types of FDI? ›

FDI can take two different forms: Greenfield or mergers and acquisitions (M&As).
  • greenfield investment involves the creation of a new company or establishment of facilities abroad. ...
  • mergers and acquisitions amounts to transferring the ownership of existing assets to an owner abroad.

Is FDI good for developing countries? ›

FDI can also promote competition in the domestic input market. Recipients of FDI often gain employee training in the course of operating the new businesses, which contributes to human capital development in the host country. Profits generated by FDI contribute to corporate tax revenues in the host country.

Is 100% FDI allowed in India? ›

FDI up to 100%, under the automatic route is permitted for manufacturing of medical devices. The above mentioned conditions will, therefore, not be applicable to greenfield as well as brownfield projects of this industry. ii.

Who can invest in India through FDI? ›

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are allowed to invest in the primary and secondary capital markets in India through the portfolio investment scheme (PIS).

What is the difference between FPI and FDI? ›

FDI involves a long-term commitment to establish a business interest in the foreign country, while FPI is a short-term investment that aims to diversify investment portfolios and participate in the growth of foreign economies.

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.

Why FDI is decreasing in India? ›

Net FDI too declined by nearly 27 per cent to USD 28 billion in 2022-23 as compared with USD 38.6 billion a year ago, mainly due to moderation in gross foreign direct investment inflows and an increase in repatriation, RBI's latest monthly bulletin further added.

Can FDI be hedged in India? ›

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday allowed overseas investors to hedge their currency risk in local exchanges, which will lower entry costs for foreigners. They will have to remain invested in Indian debt for at least a year to avail this facility.

What is the difference between FDI and FII India? ›

FDI (foreign direct investment) is nothing but investing in a country other than the home country, which involves direct capital inflows from one country to another. FII (foreign institutional investors) are large companies and institutions that invest in the nation's financial markets.

What is the FDI policy of SEBI? ›

each FII or sub-account of an FII has been permitted to invest upto 10% of the equity of any one company, subject to the overall limit of 24% on investments by all FIIs, NRIs and OCBs. the 24% limit may be raised to 30% in the case of individual companies who have obtained shareholder approval for the same.

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 is FDI in us? ›

According to BEA, FDI in the United States is defined as the ownership or control, directly or indirectly, by one foreign person, or entity, of 10 percent or more of the voting securities of an incorporated U.S. business enterprise or an equivalent interest in an unincorporated U.S. business enterprise.

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.

What is FDI policy 2010 India? ›

3.1. 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 is the trend in FDI since 2014 in India? ›

India's FDI Up From $45.15 Bn In 2014-2015 To $84.84 Bn In 2021-22.

Which country has highest FDI? ›

Nevertheless, the United States and China were the top two FDI destinations worldwide in 2022, followed by Brazil, receiving peak level of inflows partly due to increased reinvestment of earnings.

Which is the 1st largest FDI in India? ›

The computer software and hardware sector attracted the highest inflows during the first six months of this fiscal. It was followed by services, trading, chemicals, automobile and construction (infrastructure) activities. The country has registered its highest-ever FDI inflows of $84.84 billion in 2021-22.

How to invest in India from USA? ›

Repatriation: NRIs can invest in the Indian market on a repatriation basis using their NRE or FCNR account. Investment on repatriation basis means an investment, the sale/ maturity proceeds of which are, net of taxes, eligible to be repatriated out of India.

What are the problems with FDI 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.

What is the FDI trend in India in 2023? ›

Foreign direct equity investments into India in fiscal 2023 shrank 21.67% from the previous year to $46.03 billion, data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) showed Monday. The FDI equity inflows were $58.77 in 2021-22.

Which country has highest FDI In USA? ›

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 invests most In USA? ›

China Is Largest U.S. Investor Among BRICS in 2021

China ranked as the largest BRICS investor with $54 billion through 2021. Its investment dropped by one percent over the past five years. Russia's cumulative direct investment of some $4 billion in the United States shrank by 10 percent during the same period.

Which country has lowest FDI? ›

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. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

What is the FDI inflow in India 2023? ›

Foreign direct equity investments into India in fiscal 2023 shrank 21.67% from the previous year to $46.03 billion, data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) showed Monday. The FDI equity inflows were $58.77 in 2021-22.

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? ›

This indicates that liberalization has had a positive impact on FDI inflows in India. Since 1991 FDI inflows in India has increased approximately by more than 165 times. Keywords: economic development, economic reform, FDI, foreign capital, liberalization.

In which sector was 51% FDI permitted by the Government of India in 2012? ›

FDI up to 51%, with prior Government approval, is allowed in retail trade of single brand products, subject to the following conditions: (i) FDI up to 51% would be allowed, with prior Government approval, for retail trade of Single Brand Products; (ii) Products to be sold should be of a 'Single Brand' only.

When was foreign investment policy introduced in India? ›

The Foreign Investment Policy of the Government of India was liberalised with India embarking on the Economic Reform Programme in 1991.

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

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 state has highest FDI in India 2023? ›

State leads with highest FDI at 29%: Fadnavis cites report

Maharashtra has emerged as the leading state in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI), leaving behind Karnataka and Gujarat, shows the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) report for FDI between January and March 2023.

Why is FDI declining in India? ›

New Delhi: Inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India dipped for the first time in a decade, falling 16% to $71 billion (on a gross basis) during the financial year 2022-23 because of high inflation and weak demand in the US and Europe, according to the Times of India.

How attractive is India for FDI? ›

The major encouraging factor for the foreign investors to invest in India is the low wages, highly skilled workforce and liberal foreign direct investment policies. India is termed as the fastest growing economy and the capital markets of the country are also booming.

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