Fdi

Govt mulls raising CCEA approval threshold for FDI proposals to ₹15,000 cr

The government is considering a proposal to raise the threshold for foreign direct investment proposals requiring approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to Rs 15,000 crore from Rs 5,000 crore at present to further improve the country's investment climate, according to sources. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is a high-level committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Its members include key Union Cabinet ministers such as the Home Minister and Finance Minister. As per the existing foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, in case of proposals involving total foreign equity inflow of more than Rs 5,000 crore, the competent authority places the application for consideration of the CCEA. Below this limit, respective line ministries take a decision. The existing limit has remained unchanged since November 2015. Sources said that prevailing economic conditions, inflation, the growing scale of investments over the years, and the objective of promoti

India's insurance sector set for 'massive' growth despite risks: S&P

India's insurance sector is poised for 'massive' long-term growth, supported by structural reforms, low insurance penetration, and a favourable regulatory environment, but macroeconomic headwinds and profitability pressures remain key risks, S&P Global Ratings said on Thursday. In a report titled 'India Insurance Sector Trends', S&P said favourable regulatory reforms are attracting foreign capital and accelerating M&A activity in the sector. "Accelerated industry reforms and low penetration levels to drive massive sector growth in India. Liberalization, competition and regulatory changes will shape the insurance sector's development," the report said. The government had earlier this year approved 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector under the automatic route. S&P said both life and non-life insurance sectors have growth potential, but profitability of non-life insurers could continue to be strained as pricing philosophies lean heavily on

Foreign etailers told to set up separate export-only units in India

The DGFT has notified a framework requiring foreign-owned e-commerce firms to create separate legal entities for inventory-based exports of Indian-made goods under the revised FDI policy

Six issues impeding foreign investors in India need urgent attention

There is no single policy intervention that will alter this trajectory. We must assess the entirety of foreign firms' interaction with the Indian state

India okayed just one FDI proposal from China, 13 from Hong Kong in FY26

India approved just one Chinese FDI proposal worth Rs 1 crore, while clearing 13 applications from Hong Kong worth Rs 610.42 crore in the last financial year, according to official data. These approvals are important as investments from countries sharing a land border with India have been subject to prior government approval since April 2020 under Press Note 3 of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The measure was introduced to curb opportunistic takeovers and acquisitions of Indian companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the government has approved 63 FDI (foreign direct investment) proposals worth Rs 10,292.67 crore, or USD 1.18 billion, during April 2025-March 2026, according to the DPIIT data. Singapore emerged as the largest source of approved FDI proposals in value terms, with five proposals worth Rs 3,259.88 crore (USD 382.52 million) receiving clearance. This was followed by the UK, where five proposals worth Rs 2,477.67 crore (USD

FDI policy change set to lift ODOP, handicraft exports via online platforms

The decision to permit FDI in an inventory-based e-commerce model only for export purposes will give a major boost to the shipments of handicrafts and ODOP goods, an official said. One District One Product (ODOP) is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for promotion of at least one product from each district of the country. As of date, 1,244 products have been identified across 773 districts in the country under the ODOP framework. "Goods made by MSMEs and handicraft artisans will now get huge opportunities to access global markets through this easing of the FDI norms," the official said, adding extensive consultations have been done to finalise the changes. On July 23, 2026, the government amended the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy and stated that the restrictions on the inventory-based model of e-commerce will not apply in case of exports of domestically manufactured products. The move is aimed at facilitating greater expor

Sectoral, destination shifts mark outward Indian FDI commitments in June

Shifting global supply chains are pushing more Indian firms to build a footprint abroad

Best of BS Opinion: States must reduce debt in face of redemption pressures

From mounting state debt and agricultural research to public asset monetisation, China-linked investment and Tim Berners-Lee's vision for reclaiming the open web

India must tread cautiously on further easing of Chinese FDI norms

The experience of Asean economies and the European Union shows Chinese investments come with serious implications for host countries

India must remove investment barriers, ease non-tariff measures: Report

Competere Foundation says reducing investment restrictions and addressing overseas regulatory barriers are key to boosting exports, productivity and long-term growth

Net FDI decline due to increased repatriation by foreign investors: Govt

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) declined in recent years, from USD 27.99 billion in FY23 to USD 6.95 billion in FY26, due to increased repatriation by foreign investors and rising Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) outflows, Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Net FDI moderated to USD 10.13 billion in FY24 and further to USD 960 million in FY25, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha quoting RBI data. In gross terms, he said, India registered a record FDI inflow of USD 94.84 billion in FY26 as compared to USD 80.61 billion in FY25. "The decline in net FDI in recent years recovered to USD 6.95 billion in FY26 from USD 0.96 billion in FY25. The recent trend in net FDI inflows is associated with increased repatriation/disinvestment by foreign investors and rising Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) outflows," he said. The ODI outflow on account of liberalized ODI rules notified in 2022 is helping Indian entities enhance their business

Govt considering proposal to ease FDI norms for downstream investments

The government is considering a proposal to ease foreign direct investment (FDI) norms for downstream investments to boost overseas fund inflows and create jobs, sources said. The proposal is currently under inter-ministerial discussions, they said. The government has in recent years undertaken a series of reforms aimed at liberalising the country's FDI policies with the goal of stimulating economic growth and encouraging foreign capital inflows. To promote FDI, the government has put in place an investor-friendly policy, with most sectors open to 100 per cent overseas investments under the automatic route except for a few strategically important sectors. More than 90 per cent of FDI inflows are received under the automatic route. One of the sources said that to ensure that India remains an attractive and investor-friendly destination, the government reviews the FDI policy on a continuous basis and makes changes from time to time after holding extensive consultations with ...

Unnecessary division: A modern ecommerce policy is the need of the hour

The retail sector in India has faced multiplicity of rules for decades, and that issue should be addressed fast at a time when newer formats, such as quick commerce, are emerging as a driving force

Trade body calls for rollback of FDI in inventory-based ecom policy

CAIT seeks rollback of the new e-commerce FDI export policy, alleging it favours Amazon and Flipkart, while experts say clearer implementation rules are needed

Bupa open to raising stake in Niva Bupa

Bupa is open to increasing its stake in Niva Bupa as its India business outperforms global operations, with the insurer also focusing investments on technology and distribution

Govt allows Amazon and Flipkart to build inventories for exports

The government on Thursday permitted FDI in an inventory-based e-commerce model "exclusively" for export purposes, a move which will help increase India's outbound shipments without impacting the businesses of small retailers. These firms will have to export goods that are manufactured or produced in India. However, FDI in the inventory-based e-commerce model retailing is not permitted. "In order to facilitate greater exports through easier and increased access of global markets by Indian sellers, the extant FDI Policy has been reviewed and it is decided that the restrictions on inventory-based model of e-commerce shall not apply in case of exports of domestically manufactured and/or produced goods/products," the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said in a press note. DPIIT, an arm of the commerce and industry ministry, deals with foreign direct investment (FDI) related issues. It releases policy changes through press notes (PNs). As per the current F

India's ambition of becoming developed economy demands policy certainty

India needs predictable tax, trade and regulatory policies to attract foreign capital, boost investment and achieve its Viksit Bharat growth ambitions

Foreign investors return shows renewed confidence in India: RBI bulletin

The central bank said resilient domestic activity, improving trade momentum and stronger foreign investment inflows point to a favourable outlook for the Indian economy

Best of BS Opinion: India's foreign exchange strategy needs stable capital

From forex inflows and examination reform to FPI policy, rupee depreciation and behavioural science, today's Best of BS Opinion examines India's key policy choices

What's next for insurance after 100% FDI: Governance challenges ahead

India's 100% FDI regime for insurance opens the sector to global players, but faster approvals, stronger oversight and AI safeguards will determine its long-term success