Asia Briefing’s India Focused Regulatory and Operational Business Updates

← Back to Home Subscribe

March 12, 2026

View in browser

Weekly business and foreign investment news roundup in Asia

by Asia Briefing and Dezan Shira & Associates.

INDIA EDITION

TOP STORIES THIS WEEK:

India Relaxes FDI Rules for Neighboring Countries, Allows Minority Investments

India has relaxed certain foreign investment restrictions for neighboring countries by allowing minority stakes below 10 percent through the automatic route while introducing a 60-day fast-track approval process for manufacturing investments.

Turning Market Access into an Operating Advantage for Foreign Businesses under India-EU FTA

The India–EU Free Trade Agreement will unlock new opportunities for EU businesses through tariff reductions, supply chain integration, and services liberalization, positioning India as a strategic operating hub for expansion across South Asia.

Product-Specific Rules in the India-EU FTA: Notes for Manufacturers and Exporters

India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has opened a historic gateway for duty-free trade; depending upon meeting the complex Rules of Origin requirements. Annex 3-A of the agreement defines product-specific criteria that manufacturers must follow to ensure their goods qualify for preferential tariffs.

India's FTA Gambit 2026: Implementation, Expansion, and Strategic Realignment

India’s expanding network of trade agreements, from the UK and Oman to the European Union, is reshaping global market access in 2026. The India FTA Tracker highlights key developments businesses should monitor across new and ongoing trade negotiations.

FEMA 2026 Amendment and its Impact on India’s External Commercial Borrowing Framework

India revises its External Commercial Borrowing framework under the Reserve Bank of India’s 2026 amendment to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), increasing borrowing limits, simplifying reporting, and clarifying end-use rules for foreign investors.

We hope you're enjoying this India Edition.

To receive any of our other complimentary regional editions, including ASEAN, Vietnam, China, Middle East, or our Asia weekly round-up you can add or change subscriptions. Or newly subscribe a friend.

COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS RESOURCES:

India’s Next Growth Cycle: Sector Intelligence for Scalable Market Entry

India’s Next Growth Cycle: Sector Intelligence for Scalable Market Entry explores where global capital is concentrating in the country – from electronics and advanced manufacturing to renewables, EVs, and digital infrastructure – and how policy continuity and trade agreements are reshaping investor strategy.

An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2026

This latest edition of An Introduction to Doing Business in India provides a clear, practical roadmap to navigating GST 2.0 reforms, the full rollout of the four Labor Codes, the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025, and updates to incorporation processes, entity selection, audit requirements, and financial reporting.

Do you have any feedback? Our teams would love to hear from you!