Where Growth Meets Opportunity

Market-Entry and Landmark Projects in India

Over the last years, India has developed into one of the most dynamic economic regions in the world. With a population of more than 1.4 billion people and a continuously growing gross domestic product (GDP), the country offers interesting opportunities for international companies.

India has the largest youth population in the world, with more than 65 percent of residents under the age of 35. This demographic structure is a key driver of consumption. India’s middle class is growing rapidly, boosting demand for consumer goods, technology, services, and luxury products. International companies that focus their products or services on young, technology-savvy consumers find enormous growth potential in India.

The Indian e-commerce sector has experienced a boom in recent years. Platforms such as Amazon or Walmart subsidiary Flipkart are benefiting from the country’s increasing internet access and digitization. According to forecasts, the Indian online market will grow to more than 350 billion US dollars in annual sales by 2030.

Technological innovation

India has established itself as a global technology hub. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune are often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India” and are home to numerous start-ups as well as research and development centers of multinational corporations. The country is now one of the world’s leading nations in terms of the number of unicorns.

The Indian government is actively supporting this development through initiatives such as “Digital India” and “Startup India”, which aim to promote technology and entrepreneurship. India is an ideal location for international companies interested in innovation or looking for access to a pool of highly skilled workers.

Strategically important location

India is located in the center of the Asian continent and has access to important international trade routes. The country not only offers access to its huge domestic market, but also serves as a bridge to other Asian countries. This makes India an attractive hub for international companies looking to expand their presence in Asia.

In addition, India has concluded numerous free trade agreements and economic cooperation agreements with other countries in recent years to promote international trade. The government’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy and facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) are helping to further simplify doing business in India.

Sectors with high growth potential

India offers a wide range of opportunities across a range of industries:

  • Technology and IT: The Indian IT industry is one of the largest in the world. Companies such as Infosys, TCS, and Wipro have gained international recognition, offering partnerships and outsourcing opportunities.
  • Pharma and healthcare: India is the world’s largest manufacturer of generic medicines and has proven its role as the “pharmacy of the world” during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for healthcare services and medical technology is growing rapidly.
  • Renewable energy: As part of its efforts to combat climate change, India is investing heavily in solar and wind energy. The country is well on its way to becoming a leading player in the renewable energy sector.
  • Automotive industry: With initiatives such as “Make in India”, the government promotes the production and export of automobiles and vehicle parts. The market for electric vehicles in particular shows great potential.

In the state of Maharashtra, for example, new data centers are currently being promoted. As it was communicated during the World Economic Forum 2025, authorities grant the operators tax benefits for this, help with the necessary permits and ensure low electricity costs. Interested parties should reach out to the Directorate of Industries of Maharashtra and clarify the details it was said in Davos.

In addition, organisations such as the Invest India initiative and local chambers of commerce are important first points of contact. They offer advice on investment opportunities, legal issues and regional peculiarities. Management consultants with local market knowledge can also guide companies through regulatory requirements and cultural differences. In addition, chambers of commerce and industry such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) or the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are valuable networks for exchange and making contacts.

Market entry in India

Before an international company expands into India, it should analyze the market there. In addition to assessing the competitive landscape and identifying consumer needs, this includes understanding regional differences. India is not a homogeneous market, but consists of 28 federal states, which often have their own rules, languages and cultural peculiarities. In addition, the federal states compete with each other when it comes to foreign investment.

India has strict regulations for foreign companies, especially with regard to taxes, FDI limits, and product safety standards. Sectors such as retail or insurance have different FDI caps. A thorough examination of the regulatory framework as well as prior clarification with lawyers and tax advisors is therefore important.

Working with local partners – whether through joint ventures, distribution agreements or franchising – can make it easier to get started. Local partners bring market knowledge, networks and access to existing customers. In a joint venture, the Indian partner holds at least 49% of the shares. If the foreign company wants to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in India, the majority of the board members must either live in India or have an Indian passport.

Other important topics are adapting the product portfolio to Indian tastes, needs and price sensitivity. In addition, local marketing campaigns should be run that take cultural sensitivities into account. Messages that are oriented towards family, tradition or social responsibility can be particularly effective. In addition, the use of digital platforms such as Amazon India, Flipkart and Paytm is recommended in the B2C sector.

Upcoming major projects

For companies in the B2B sector, interesting opportunities will arise in the next few years, especially on large infrastructure projects, e.g. in the state of Maharashtra.

Vadhavan Port

On 30 August 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Vadhavan Port – an ambitious port project in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. It aims to significantly strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure and position the country as a major player in global maritime trade.

Vadhavan Port will be designed as a deep-water port with a natural depth of about 20 meters, which will make it possible to handle the largest container ships in the world. With a planned annual handling capacity of around 298 million tons of cargo and the ability to handle over 23 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), it will be one of India’s largest ports.

The port project includes the construction of nine container terminals, each with two berths and a quay length of 1,000 metres. In addition, four multi-purpose berths, four liquid cargo berths, a RoRo berth and a coast guard berth are planned. Modern equipment and automated systems are designed to ensure efficient operation.

Vadhavan Port is expected to create around 1.2 million jobs – both in the port operation itself and indirectly in related sectors such as logistics, transport and warehousing. In addition, the port is likely to attract foreign investment and strengthen India’s position in global trade. International companies, especially from the logistics/sea freight, shipping and real estate industries, should take a closer look at this project.

Navi Mumbai International Airport

Work on the construction of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is well advanced. This is to be officially opened on April 17, 2025. The first commercial domestic flights are scheduled to take off in May 2025. The large-scale project is being implemented by Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), a joint venture between Adani Airports Holdings Limited (74% stake) and the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) with a 26% stake.

The airport covers an area of 1,160 hectares and will be built in three phases, with the first phase providing a capacity of 25 million passengers per year. International companies, especially from the air cargo logistics and real estate industries, should take a closer look at this project.

India as a market of opportunities

India is a market of opportunities that impresses both in terms of its size and its dynamism. For international companies looking to grow in a competitive global environment, the country offers ideal conditions. With a clear strategy, cultural understanding and long-term commitment, companies in India can grow sustainably.

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