India’s trade strategy is undergoing a significant transformation. After a cautious phase in earlier years, the country is now actively expanding its network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and economic partnerships. This shift is reshaping India’s positioning within global supply chains and creating new opportunities for export-oriented investors.

For multinational companies, Economic Development Boards (EDBs) and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), India’s evolving FTA architecture is becoming an increasingly important factor in market-entry and manufacturing decisions.

From Market Access to Strategic Integration

India’s recent trade approach reflects a broader shift from viewing FTAs primarily as tariff-reduction tools to positioning them as instruments of deeper economic integration.

New-generation agreements are increasingly covering:

• Goods and services trade
• Investment facilitation
• Digital trade provisions
• Supply chain cooperation
• Regulatory alignment

This more comprehensive framework is designed to enhance India’s role in global value chains rather than simply expand bilateral trade volumes.

Why Export-Oriented Investors Are Paying Attention

India’s expanding FTA network is particularly relevant for companies looking to use the country as a production and export base.

Several structural advantages are emerging:

Improved market access: Preferential tariff pathways can enhance the competitiveness of India-based manufacturing.

Supply chain diversification: Companies pursuing multi-location strategies are evaluating India as part of broader regional manufacturing footprints.

Policy predictability: Formal trade agreements provide greater long-term visibility for investors planning export-oriented operations.

Services mobility: For knowledge-driven sectors, improved services provisions can support cross-border delivery models.

As global supply chains continue to rebalance, these factors are becoming increasingly material to investment decisions.

Alignment with India’s Manufacturing Push

India’s FTA expansion is also closely linked to its domestic industrial strategy. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, logistics upgrades and infrastructure investments are being complemented by trade agreements that open external markets.

This coordinated approach strengthens India’s attractiveness for sectors such as:

• Electronics and semiconductors
• Automotive and EV components
• Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
• Specialty chemicals
• Engineering goods

For export-oriented investors, the combination of domestic incentives and external market access is particularly compelling.

What Investors Should Evaluate Carefully

Despite the positive momentum, companies evaluating India through the FTA lens should conduct detailed analysis at the sector level.

Key considerations include:

• Rules of origin requirements
• Sector-specific tariff timelines
• Non-tariff regulatory conditions
• State-level manufacturing readiness
• Logistics and port connectivity

The benefits of FTAs are often realised through careful operational structuring rather than headline provisions alone.

The IAC Perspective

At the International Advisory Council, we see India’s expanding FTA network as a strategic enabler of the country’s next export growth cycle. The shift toward deeper economic partnerships is reinforcing India’s role in global supply chain diversification.

For IPAs, EDBs and multinational investors, the opportunity lies in aligning manufacturing and services strategies with India’s evolving trade architecture.

As global trade patterns continue to rebalance through 2030, India’s ability to combine domestic scale with expanding market access is likely to remain a powerful draw for export-oriented investment.

While much of the global conversation around India focuses on market size and growth potential, one of the country’s most powerful competitive advantages is often less visible: its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

Over the past decade, India has built a layered digital architecture spanning identity, payments, data exchange and governance systems. In 2026, this infrastructure is emerging as a quiet but decisive differentiator in the global investment landscape.

For global investors, Economic Development Boards (EDBs) and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), understanding the strategic implications of India’s DPI ecosystem is increasingly important.

What Is Digital Public Infrastructure?

Digital Public Infrastructure refers to interoperable digital platforms that enable secure, scalable access to essential services. In India, this ecosystem includes:

• Digital identity systems
• Real-time digital payment networks
• Data-sharing frameworks
• Online regulatory and compliance portals

These platforms reduce friction across both public and private sector interactions.

Unlike traditional infrastructure, DPI does not simply support commerce it accelerates it.

Why DPI Matters for Investors

For multinational firms entering India, digital public infrastructure significantly lowers operational barriers.

Key advantages include:

Faster onboarding: Digital identity verification simplifies customer and vendor onboarding processes.

Seamless payments: Real-time digital payment systems enable instant, low-cost transactions at scale.

Compliance efficiency: Increasing digitisation of regulatory filings reduces administrative delays.

Scalable integration: Digital APIs allow companies to integrate services quickly into India’s ecosystem.

Collectively, these efficiencies reduce time-to-market and improve operational predictability two factors that are increasingly central to investment decisions.

Enabling Innovation at Scale

India’s DPI is also catalysing innovation. The open and interoperable nature of these platforms allows startups and multinational firms to build products on top of public digital rails.

This has already transformed sectors such as fintech, where digital payments and identity frameworks enabled rapid growth. Similar innovation layers are now emerging in healthcare, education, logistics and financial inclusion.

For technology investors, this creates a multiplier effect: instead of building foundational systems from scratch, firms can innovate directly at the application layer.

A Model with Global Influence

India’s digital public architecture is now being studied by multiple emerging economies seeking to replicate similar models. This enhances India’s positioning not only as a domestic market but as a global reference point for digital governance frameworks.

For global investors, this international recognition strengthens confidence in India’s long-term digital policy continuity.

What Investors Should Watch

While DPI offers clear advantages, investors will continue to monitor:

• Data governance clarity
• Cybersecurity resilience
• Regulatory harmonisation across states
• Continued infrastructure scaling

Sustained policy stability in these areas will determine how fully India converts its digital architecture into long-term competitive advantage.

The IAC Perspective

At the International Advisory Council, we see Digital Public Infrastructure as one of India’s most underappreciated structural strengths. It enhances ease of doing business, accelerates innovation and supports scalable market entry across sectors.

In a global environment where execution speed and digital integration increasingly shape investment flows, India’s DPI ecosystem is quietly strengthening its position in the global investment race.

For investors evaluating India in 2026 and beyond, the message is clear: digital infrastructure is no longer a background factor it is a strategic asset.

India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) story is entering a new phase. While the country has long attracted capital into traditional sectors such as services and manufacturing, the next wave of investment is expected to be far more technology-driven, sustainability-linked and ecosystem-focused.

For global investors, Economic Development Boards (EDBs) and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), understanding where capital is likely to concentrate by 2030 is becoming critical for strategic positioning.

Based on current policy direction, investor behaviour and structural demand drivers, several sectors are emerging as clear frontrunners.

Digital and Artificial Intelligence Ecosystems

India’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly, supported by strong policy momentum around artificial intelligence, data infrastructure and digital public platforms. Global technology firms are increasingly viewing India not just as a services hub but as a location for building AI models, cloud infrastructure and data capabilities.

Key drivers include:

• Large and growing digital user base
• Expanding data centre infrastructure
• Government focus on AI compute capacity
• Strong STEM talent pipeline

By 2030, AI-led investment is expected to move beyond IT services into healthcare analytics, fintech, manufacturing automation and public digital systems.

Global Capability Centres and Advanced Services

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are undergoing a structural upgrade in India. What began as back-office operations has evolved into high-value hubs handling product engineering, cybersecurity, risk analytics and R&D.

Multinational firms are increasingly consolidating global functions into India-based centres due to:

• Talent depth at scale
• Cost-to-value advantage
• Mature services ecosystem
• Improving digital compliance frameworks

The next wave of GCC investment is likely to expand into tier-2 cities, creating new geographic investment corridors.

Clean Energy and Climate Infrastructure

India’s net-zero commitments and energy transition roadmap are opening large-scale opportunities across renewable energy, green hydrogen, battery storage and grid modernisation.

Long-term projections indicate that the country will require massive capital deployment in the power and energy ecosystem through 2070. This creates sustained opportunity for infrastructure funds, sovereign investors and strategic energy players.

Particularly attractive sub-segments include:

• Utility-scale solar and wind
• Green hydrogen value chains
• Electric mobility infrastructure
• Energy storage systems

For global investors with long-duration capital, India’s energy transition is emerging as one of the most investable themes of the decade.

Advanced Manufacturing and Electronics

India’s push for supply chain diversification is also gaining traction. Production-linked incentives (PLIs), improving logistics infrastructure and geopolitical realignment are supporting growth in electronics, semiconductors and precision manufacturing.

As global firms pursue “China+1” and multi-location strategies, India is positioning itself as a scalable manufacturing alternative in Asia.

The IAC Perspective

At the International Advisory Council, we see India’s next FDI cycle being defined less by broad market potential and more by sector-specific depth and ecosystem readiness.

Investors who succeed in India by 2030 will likely be those who align early with three structural themes:

• Digital and AI-led transformation
• Energy transition and sustainability
• Advanced capability and manufacturing ecosystems

India’s investment opportunity remains compelling, but it is becoming more specialised. For IPAs, EDBs and global firms, the strategic imperative is clear: move beyond a generic India strategy toward targeted sector engagement.

For much of the past decade, India’s investment narrative has often been framed around incentives, tax reforms and large market potential. While these factors remain important, a quieter but more structural shift is underway in 2026. Increasingly, global investors are evaluating India through the lens of ease of doing business execution regulatory clarity, digital governance and operational predictability.

For Economic Development Boards (EDBs), Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and multinational firms, this evolution carries important implications.

The Shift from Policy Announcements to Policy Delivery

India has made notable progress in simplifying regulatory processes through digitisation of approvals, single-window systems and faster compliance mechanisms. What is now drawing investor attention is not just reform announcements, but the consistency of on-ground execution.

Large investors today are asking more operational questions:

• How quickly can approvals be obtained?
• How predictable are state-level processes?
• How seamless is digital compliance?
• How responsive are local facilitation agencies?

This reflects a broader maturation of India’s investment story. As the market becomes more competitive globally, execution quality is emerging as a key differentiator.

Digital Public Infrastructure as a Force Multiplier

One of India’s under appreciated strengths is its expanding digital public infrastructure. Platforms for identity, payments and business compliance are increasingly integrated, reducing friction for both domestic and foreign firms.

For multinational companies setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs), manufacturing bases, or service operations, this digital backbone is helping:

• Reduce onboarding timelines
• Improve compliance transparency
• Enable faster scaling
• Lower administrative overhead

Importantly, India’s digital governance architecture is now being closely studied by several emerging economies seeking to replicate similar models.

Rising Role of State-Level Competition

Another notable trend is the growing sophistication of state governments in investment facilitation. Leading states are moving beyond generic incentives toward sector-specific ecosystems, including dedicated policies for GCCs, electronics manufacturing, semiconductors and renewable energy.

This competitive federalism is creating a more dynamic investment environment. For IPAs globally, it offers a key lesson: investment attraction is increasingly ecosystem-driven rather than purely incentive-led.

However, the variation in state-level execution still remains an area investors watch closely. Continued harmonisation will be critical to sustaining momentum.

What Global Investors Should Watch

Looking ahead, three indicators will shape India’s ease-of-doing-business trajectory:

First, the depth of regulatory digitisation across central and state agencies.
Second, the speed of land, infrastructure and utility readiness in emerging investment corridors.
Third, the effectiveness of in-country facilitation support for foreign investors post-entry.

Investors who track these operational metrics not just headline reforms will have a clearer view of India’s medium-term competitiveness.

The IAC Perspective

At the International Advisory Council, we see ease of doing business moving from a reputational metric to a core investment differentiator for India. The country’s next phase of success will depend less on announcing reforms and more on delivering frictionless execution at scale.

For EDBs, IPAs and global firms evaluating India strategies in 2026, the message is clear: the opportunity remains strong, but the winners will be those who understand India’s evolving operating architecture in depth.

India’s position as a global hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) continues to strengthen in 2026, emerging as one of the most compelling structural shifts in the country’s investment story. What began as back-office outsourcing two decades ago has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem supporting advanced engineering, AI development, finance and strategic operations for multinational corporations.

For global investors, Economic Development Boards (EDBs) and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), the GCC expansion wave presents both immediate opportunities and long-term strategic implications.

From Cost Arbitrage to Strategic Value

The GCC model in India has undergone a fundamental transformation. Earlier centres focused largely on cost efficiency and process support. Today’s GCCs are increasingly responsible for high-value functions such as:

• Artificial intelligence and data science
• Product engineering and R&D
• Cybersecurity and cloud operations
• Global finance and risk analytics

India’s large pool of STEM talent, improving digital infrastructure and supportive policy environment have made the country the preferred destination for multinational firms looking to build capability hubs at scale.

This shift is significant because GCCs now influence core business strategy rather than merely supporting operations.

Policy and State-Level Competition Intensifies

Indian states are actively competing to attract GCC investments through targeted incentive frameworks, plug-and-play infrastructure and faster regulatory clearances. Dedicated GCC policies in states such as Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh are helping decentralise growth beyond traditional metro clusters.

For IPAs globally, this trend offers an important lesson: investment attraction is increasingly sector-specific and capability-driven, not just location-based.

Moreover, India’s broader push toward ease of doing business, digital governance and infrastructure expansion continues to strengthen the operating environment for large multinational back-end and innovation centres.

Why Multinationals Are Doubling Down

Several structural factors explain the sustained GCC momentum in India:

Talent depth: India produces one of the world’s largest annual cohorts of engineers and technology professionals.

Scale economics: Companies can build large teams quickly while maintaining operational efficiency.

Digital maturity: India’s rapid digital adoption supports advanced analytics, fintech and AI deployment.

Geopolitical diversification: Many global firms are pursuing “China+1” and multi-location strategies, with India emerging as a key pillar.

As a result, GCCs are no longer viewed as experimental investments but as core components of global operating models.

Strategic Implications for Investment Stakeholders

For EDBs and IPAs worldwide, India’s GCC surge carries broader implications. First, it reinforces the importance of specialised talent ecosystems in attracting high-value investment. Second, it highlights how policy clarity and state-level coordination can accelerate sectoral growth. Third, it signals that future FDI competition will increasingly centre on knowledge-intensive industries rather than purely manufacturing capacity.

The IAC Perspective

At the International Advisory Council, we see GCC expansion as one of the most durable pillars of India’s next growth phase. The convergence of talent, technology and targeted policy support is creating a powerful platform for multinational investment.

For global stakeholders evaluating Asia strategies, India’s GCC ecosystem is no longer optional to assess — it is becoming central to long-term global operating and innovation frameworks.

India’s investment environment continues to send strong positive signals in early 2026. A combination of policy liberalisation, deepening bilateral capital flows and a sharper technology push is reinforcing the country’s position as one of the most closely watched growth markets globally.

For international investors, Economic Development Boards (EDBs) and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), several recent developments merit close attention.

100% FDI in Insurance: A Major Liberalisation Step

Among the most significant policy moves is India’s decision to allow 100% foreign direct investment in the insurance sector under the automatic route. This reform removes prior government approval requirements for full foreign ownership and is expected to unlock fresh capital into a sector that remains underpenetrated relative to the size of the economy.

The move serves multiple strategic objectives. It aims to deepen insurance coverage across the country, strengthen balance sheets of insurance providers and attract long-term global financial players seeking exposure to India’s expanding middle class.

For global insurers and financial investors, the signal is clear: India continues to pursue calibrated but meaningful liberalisation in key financial sectors.

Japanese Investment Momentum Remains Strong

Bilateral investment trends are also reinforcing confidence. Japanese FDI stock in India has crossed ₹2.7 lakh crore, with approximately 1,400 Japanese firms now operating in the country. The partnership has matured significantly over the past decade.

Japanese companies remain active across infrastructure, manufacturing, mobility and engineering. More recently, collaboration has expanded into advanced areas such as semiconductors, clean energy and digital technologies.

This sustained engagement highlights an important structural shift. India is increasingly viewed not only as a cost-efficient production base but as a long-term strategic technology and innovation partner.

NITI Aayog’s Global Tech Outreach

India’s policy focus is also becoming more outward-looking. NITI Aayog has proposed structured tech-services trade missions targeting key markets including Japan, Germany and the Middle East. The initiative aims to create a unified global brand for India’s technology capabilities while helping firms access international markets more efficiently.

This reflects a broader evolution in India’s growth model. The country is moving beyond traditional IT services toward a more comprehensive digital and AI ecosystem. For investors, this signals expanding opportunities across data, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and knowledge services.

Strategic Outlook for Global Stakeholders

Taken together, these developments point to a consistent policy direction. India is simultaneously liberalising capital-intensive sectors, strengthening trusted bilateral investment corridors and positioning itself more aggressively in future-focused technology domains.

For IPAs, EDBs and institutional investors, the implications are clear. Financial services, advanced manufacturing and AI-enabled sectors are likely to remain priority areas in India’s next investment cycle.

At the International Advisory Council, we see these moves as part of a broader structural transition. India is steadily evolving from a large emerging market into a multi-sector strategic growth platform for global capital.

Introduction

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles are no longer optional they’re strategic imperatives influencing global investment flows. India, too, is rapidly embedding ESG frameworks into its policy, finance and corporate governance systems. For international companies, understanding India’s ESG landscape is crucial to align with investor expectations, meet compliance mandates and unlock India market entry support through sustainability-led programs.

At the International Advisory Council (IAC), we help foreign businesses integrate ESG goals into their India strategy ensuring market relevance, long-term resilience and regulatory compatibility.

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India’s ESG Momentum: An Overview

India’s ESG momentum is being shaped by:

• Regulatory mandates from SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)
  
• BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report) requirements for large companies
  
• State-level green policies and climate-resilient infrastructure plans
  
• Rising ESG-focused investments by domestic and foreign funds
  
• Central programs like Green Hydrogen Mission, PM Gati Shakti and Net Zero 2070
  

This ecosystem creates both responsibility and opportunity for foreign companies entering India.

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ESG and Investment: The New Link

1. Access to Incentives and Green Capital

Many state and central programs now:

• Prioritize green businesses for land, CAPEX subsidies and tax breaks
  
• Enable access to green bonds, climate funds and blended finance tools
  
• Encourage cross-border business promotion aligned with global ESG norms
  

2. Investor Confidence

International investors increasingly demand:

• ESG compliance from portfolio companies
  
• Clear ESG disclosures (BRSR, SDG alignment)
  
• Sustainable sourcing and workforce practices
  Companies with strong ESG frameworks gain easier access to capital.
  

3. Supply Chain Pressure

Global OEMs require Indian suppliers and JVs to meet sustainability standards. Early compliance offers a competitive edge in B2B matchmaking India and international procurement.

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ESG in Action: Sector-Wise Impact

• Manufacturing: Adoption of cleaner production, water efficiency and waste management
  
• Logistics: EV fleets, energy-efficient warehousing, ESG-linked infrastructure
  
• Energy: Green hydrogen, solar manufacturing, carbon credit markets
  
• Edtech and Universities: Partnerships for climate education and academic collaborations India
  
• Tourism: Sustainable tourism certifications, local community integration, cultural exchange programs India
  

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Case Study: European MedTech Firm’s ESG-Driven Entry

A Germany-based medtech company approached IAC to enter India responsibly. We helped:

• Select a LEED-certified facility in Telangana’s medtech park
  
• Structure an ESG-aligned joint degree program in India with a local health sciences university
  
• Partner with an NGO for local healthcare access
  
• Develop a sustainability communication strategy for Indian media
  

The firm now enjoys brand credibility and eligibility for ESG-aligned funding.

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IAC’s Role in ESG-Oriented Market Entry

At IAC, we:

• Align your India investment facilitation with national and state ESG priorities
  
• Connect with state governments offering green investor support
  
• Identify partnerships for social impact and in-country representation India
  
• Assist with ESG disclosures, reporting frameworks and impact branding
  
• Help IPAs and EDBs communicate ESG leadership to international audiences
  

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India’s ESG Roadmap: What to Watch

• Expansion of mandatory ESG reporting to mid-sized companies
  
• Green finance taxonomy development for international alignment
  
• ESG-linked FDI promotion, especially in clean energy, mobility and infrastructure
  
• Growing integration of ESG into FDI attraction services India
  

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Conclusion

India’s ESG movement is not a trend it’s a transformation. For foreign investors, aligning with India’s sustainability vision enhances not just compliance but competitiveness, capital access and community engagement.

With IAC, you can lead the shift from responsible entry to resilient, ESG-aligned growth in India’s evolving investment landscape.

Introduction

India’s innovation ecosystem is evolving beyond traditional tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With strategic government backing, a wave of emerging tech zones is rising across India targeting fields such as semiconductors, AI, clean tech, biotech, EVs and deeptech R&D.

These zones are purpose-built to offer foreign tech companies, startups and R&D units a seamless platform for India market entry, joint innovation and cross-border academic collaboration.

At the International Advisory Council (IAC), we work closely with these clusters to help international companies identify innovation-ready locations aligned with both policy incentives and business goals.

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What Are Emerging Tech Zones?

These are government-recognized innovation corridors, parks and R&D clusters, often tied to:

• State industrial policies
  
• Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes
  
• Central R&D and digital infrastructure missions
  
• Institutional partnerships with universities and academic partnerships India
  

They offer:

• Special incentives for R&D, IP development and prototyping
  
• Access to skilled talent and local research networks
  
• In-country representation India for real-time coordination and scale
  

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Key Tech Zones You Should Know

1. Dholera Special Investment Region (Gujarat)

• Focus: Semiconductors, electronics, smart mobility
  
• Location for India’s first chip fabrication units under ISM scheme
  
• Incentives: CAPEX subsidies, electricity waivers, high-speed connectivity
  

2. Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri (Telangana)

• Home to India’s pharma and medtech park
  
• Linked with Hyderabad’s deep biotech ecosystem
  
• Offers shared testing labs, plug-and-play pharma zones and B2B matchmaking India
  

3. Tamil Nadu EV Cluster

• Cities like Coimbatore and Hosur emerging as EV and battery tech hotspots
  
• Foreign OEMs entering via joint ventures and tech partnerships
  
• Linked with global supply chains and India’s green industrial policy
  

4. Karnataka Beyond Bengaluru

• Emerging AI, drone and deeptech zones in Mysuru and Hubballi
  
• Strong university network for joint degree programs India
  
• State co-funds R&D for high-risk, high-reward startups
  

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Opportunities for Global Innovators

Foreign tech firms can:

• Establish pilot R&D centers with subsidized infrastructure
  
• Tap into co-funded grants via state or central innovation missions
  
• Build academic partnerships India for talent development and tech transfer
  
• Localize offerings via India higher education consulting networks
  
• Leverage India investment facilitation for fast-track approvals
  

These zones are designed for first movers, who benefit most from early partnerships and media visibility.

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Case Study: Nordic Clean Tech Startup in Coimbatore

A Scandinavian clean-tech company approached IAC to assess India’s EV battery market. With our guidance, they:

• Partnered with a local manufacturer in Tamil Nadu’s EV cluster
  
• Set up an R&D hub with state-funded prototyping support
  
• Engaged in education roadshows India to recruit local engineers
  
• Secured ESG-aligned investments via India’s green tech platform
  

Outcome: A low-risk, high-visibility expansion into a booming sector.

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IAC’s Role in Tech Zone Entry

We help:

• Identify the best-fit tech zones by industry focus
  
• Connect with state-level innovation councils and IPAs
  
• Structure joint innovation models and funding access
  
• Establish in-country representation India to fast-track execution
  
• Align your branding with PR for international companies in India
  

We also support EDBs and investment promotion agencies in positioning their regions as tech partners for India.

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Sectors Gaining Traction

• Semiconductors and electronics
  
• AI, robotics and automation
  
• Battery storage and green hydrogen
  
• Pharmaceuticals and medtech
  
• Agri-tech and food innovation
  

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Conclusion

India’s tech zones are not just local growth stories they are gateways to global collaboration. For foreign innovators, these zones offer talent, funding, policy alignment and access to one of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets.

With IAC as your partner, you can enter the Indian innovation ecosystem with clarity, credibility and competitive advantage.

India’s Emerging Tech Zones: Why Foreign Innovators Should Take Note

Introduction

India’s innovation ecosystem is evolving beyond traditional tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With strategic government backing, a wave of emerging tech zones is rising across India targeting fields such as semiconductors, AI, clean tech, biotech, EVs and deeptech R&D.

These zones are purpose-built to offer foreign tech companies, startups and R&D units a seamless platform for India market entry, joint innovation and cross-border academic collaboration.

At the International Advisory Council (IAC), we work closely with these clusters to help international companies identify innovation-ready locations aligned with both policy incentives and business goals.

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What Are Emerging Tech Zones?

These are government-recognized innovation corridors, parks and R&D clusters, often tied to:

• State industrial policies
  
• Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes
  
• Central R&D and digital infrastructure missions
  
• Institutional partnerships with universities and academic partnerships India
  

They offer:

• Special incentives for R&D, IP development and prototyping
  
• Access to skilled talent and local research networks
  
• In-country representation India for real-time coordination and scale
  

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Key Tech Zones You Should Know

1. Dholera Special Investment Region (Gujarat)

• Focus: Semiconductors, electronics, smart mobility
  
• Location for India’s first chip fabrication units under ISM scheme
  
• Incentives: CAPEX subsidies, electricity waivers, high-speed connectivity
  

2. Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri (Telangana)

• Home to India’s pharma and medtech park
  
• Linked with Hyderabad’s deep biotech ecosystem
  
• Offers shared testing labs, plug-and-play pharma zones and B2B matchmaking India
  

3. Tamil Nadu EV Cluster

• Cities like Coimbatore and Hosur emerging as EV and battery tech hotspots
  
• Foreign OEMs entering via joint ventures and tech partnerships
  
• Linked with global supply chains and India’s green industrial policy
  

4. Karnataka Beyond Bengaluru

• Emerging AI, drone and deeptech zones in Mysuru and Hubballi
  
• Strong university network for joint degree programs India
  
• State co-funds R&D for high-risk, high-reward startups
  

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Opportunities for Global Innovators

Foreign tech firms can:

• Establish pilot R&D centers with subsidized infrastructure
  
• Tap into co-funded grants via state or central innovation missions
  
• Build academic partnerships India for talent development and tech transfer
  
• Localize offerings via India higher education consulting networks
  
• Leverage India investment facilitation for fast-track approvals
  

These zones are designed for first movers, who benefit most from early partnerships and media visibility.

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Case Study: Nordic Clean Tech Startup in Coimbatore

A Scandinavian clean-tech company approached IAC to assess India’s EV battery market. With our guidance, they:

• Partnered with a local manufacturer in Tamil Nadu’s EV cluster
  
• Set up an R&D hub with state-funded prototyping support
  
• Engaged in education roadshows India to recruit local engineers
  
• Secured ESG-aligned investments via India’s green tech platform
  

Outcome: A low-risk, high-visibility expansion into a booming sector.

---

IAC’s Role in Tech Zone Entry

We help:

• Identify the best-fit tech zones by industry focus
  
• Connect with state-level innovation councils and IPAs
  
• Structure joint innovation models and funding access
  
• Establish in-country representation India to fast-track execution
  
• Align your branding with PR for international companies in India
  

We also support EDBs and investment promotion agencies in positioning their regions as tech partners for India.

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Sectors Gaining Traction

• Semiconductors and electronics
  
• AI, robotics and automation
  
• Battery storage and green hydrogen
  
• Pharmaceuticals and medtech
  
• Agri-tech and food innovation
  

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Conclusion

India’s tech zones are not just local growth stories they are gateways to global collaboration. For foreign innovators, these zones offer talent, funding, policy alignment and access to one of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets.

With IAC as your partner, you can enter the Indian innovation ecosystem with clarity, credibility and competitive advantage.

Introduction

In recent years, India has recalibrated its trade and investment strategy to prioritize Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that align with its long-term manufacturing and export goals. These FTAs are not just about reducing tariffs they’re designed to enhance market access, ease regulatory bottlenecks and encourage foreign manufacturers to view India as a global production base.

At the International Advisory Council (IAC), we help manufacturers and investment promotion agencies understand how India’s evolving FTA landscape can amplify their India market entry support, supply chain resilience and export potential.

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India’s Shift in FTA Strategy: From Defensive to Assertive

India earlier maintained a cautious stance on trade agreements. Today, it is actively:

• Negotiating and finalizing FTAs with key economic partners
  
• Prioritizing market access for Indian goods and services
  
• Securing provisions on investor protection and IP rights
  
• Positioning India as a manufacturing and sourcing hub under global value chains
  

This strategic shift is driven by a desire to make Indian production globally competitive and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) through more open, predictable markets.

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FTAs Fueling Manufacturing Expansion

1. India–UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)

• Eliminates duties on 90% of goods
  
• Boosts exports in textiles, gems, auto parts, electronics
  
• Enables duty-free access to Middle Eastern and African markets
  

2. India–Australia ECTA (Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement)

• Immediate duty cuts on 85% of Indian exports
  
• Encourages Australian investment in India’s clean energy and minerals sectors
  
• Opens space for joint ventures in agri-tech and machinery
  

3. Upcoming India–UK and India–EU FTAs

• Will target automotive, medtech, chemicals, digital goods
  
• Expected to align regulatory standards and ease cross-border investment promotion
  
• Focus on green trade, ESG compliance and digital economy norms
  

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What This Means for Global Manufacturers

Manufacturers based in treaty-partner countries can:

• Expand production in India and re-export duty-free to FTA markets
  
• Source raw materials or components from India at competitive rates
  
• Set up India-based joint ventures to benefit from local policy support and international market access
  
• Reduce costs through customs simplification and tariff exemptions
  
• Access India’s rapidly growing domestic and export markets under preferential trade rules
  

This strengthens India’s positioning in China + 1 diversification strategies.

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Case Study: European Appliance Manufacturer’s India Strategy

A European mid-size appliance company partnered with IAC to enter India in anticipation of the India–EU FTA. IAC:

• Identified a production site in Gujarat with PLI scheme support
  
• Facilitated dialogue with India’s trade ministry and state IPA
  
• Supported B2B matchmaking India with regional distributors and suppliers
  
• Developed a plan to re-export to Africa and the Middle East under the India–UAE CEPA
  

Result: Duty-free access, accelerated production and lower go-to-market costs.

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IAC’s Role in Leveraging FTAs for Manufacturing Expansion

At IAC, we:

• Guide companies on leveraging tariff benefits and non-tariff harmonization
  
• Help interpret FTA provisions for in-country representation India and joint manufacturing models
  
• Connect with local IPAs for site selection and tax planning
  
• Support PR for international companies in India to highlight FTA-linked investments
  
• Assist EDBs in building cross-border industrial collaboration with Indian states
  

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Key Sectors Poised to Benefit from India’s FTAs

• Auto components and EVs
  
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
  
• Textiles and garments
  
• Engineering goods and capital machinery
  
• Electronics and telecom equipment
  
• Processed food and agro-products
  

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Conclusion

India’s new FTA strategy is not just about trade it’s a calculated bet on transforming the country into a global manufacturing powerhouse. For foreign manufacturers, these agreements offer preferential access, operational efficiency and policy backing.

At IAC, we translate these policy shifts into actionable entry strategies that position you for long-term growth in India and beyond.

Introduction

In the post-pandemic world, global supply chains are being redesigned to prioritize resilience, diversification and geopolitical balance. India has responded with a comprehensive New Industrial Policy, designed to position itself as a key node in global production networks. This policy overhaul focuses on infrastructure, innovation, investment and inclusive growth making India an attractive choice for foreign companies rethinking their global footprint.

At the International Advisory Council (IAC), we work with international investors, EDBs and IPAs to align their India market entry strategies with this evolving policy framework.

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What Is the New Industrial Policy?

India’s revised Industrial Policy (2024–2030) aims to:

• Boost manufacturing’s share in GDP to 25%
  
• Enhance exports and integration into global value chains
  
• Encourage sustainability and Industry 4.0 adoption
  
• Promote innovation through R&D and digital infrastructure
  
• Offer in-country representation India support for smoother foreign investment facilitation
  

The policy supports sector-specific strategies, incentives and execution mechanisms across key industries.

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Key Focus Areas for Global Investors

1. Manufacturing & Value Chain Integration

The policy promotes India as a China + 1 alternative, encouraging global firms to:

• Set up regional manufacturing hubs
  
• Source components from India
  
• Participate in India’s expanding industrial corridors
  

States like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh are leading with their own aligned industrial policies.

2. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Expansion

Building on earlier success, the policy expands PLI schemes to:

• Semiconductors
  
• Green hydrogen
  
• Textiles
  
• Specialty steel
  
• EVs and batteries
  

These schemes offer up to 10% incentives on incremental production, encouraging FDI attraction in India.

3. Digital & Green Industry Focus

The policy emphasizes Industry 4.0, AI, IoT and sustainability:

• Tax breaks for green technologies
  
• ESG-aligned investment zones
  
• Digitization of manufacturing ecosystems
  
• Integration with cross-border investment promotion platforms
  

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Strategic Opportunity for Foreign Businesses

Foreign investors can:

• Build assembly and manufacturing units in India for global re-exports
  
• Integrate Indian suppliers into their global value chains
  
• Co-invest in R&D, automation and joint ventures with local firms
  
• Launch innovation programs via academic partnerships India
  

Companies entering now benefit from first-mover access to policy-linked incentives.

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Case Study: ASEAN Auto Component Firm in Uttar Pradesh

An ASEAN-based auto component supplier chose Uttar Pradesh for its expansion. With IAC’s help, the company:

• Leveraged incentives under the state’s auto policy aligned with the national industrial strategy
  
• Accessed plug-and-play facilities in the Eastern Freight Corridor
  
• Hired local engineering talent through a joint degree program India
  
• Partnered with logistics providers for regional re-export
  

IAC managed policy navigation, India investment facilitation and B2B matchmaking India.

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IAC’s Role in Industrial Policy-Based Entry

We assist:

• Investors in identifying sectors aligned with national & state policies
  
• EDBs and IPAs in promoting their regions in India as sourcing hubs
  
• Companies in navigating PLI and other incentive mechanisms
  
• With in-country representation India to monitor implementation and compliance
  
• In executing PR for international companies in India to align with ESG and government goals
  

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Sectors Gaining Traction

• Electronics & Semiconductors
  
• Textiles & Technical Apparel
  
• EVs, Batteries & Green Hydrogen
  
• Aerospace & Defence
  
• Food Processing & Cold Chain Logistics
  

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Conclusion

India’s New Industrial Policy is more than a vision it’s an execution-ready roadmap designed for global integration. For companies seeking resilient supply chains, localised production and scalable innovation, India is offering the infrastructure, incentives and investor support needed to thrive.

At IAC, we help global partners convert policy promise into business reality efficiently, strategically and sustainably.