Doing Business in India

Country Overview

India is a very large country made up of 29 different states and 7 union territories. The market varies widely across its many different regions and states, and it is a market which requires a lot of patience and a long-term strategy to be successful.

There are several reasons to choose India as an export destination; India has a fast-growing economy with one of the world’s largest youth populations, expanding emerging cities, with more than 50 cities now over a million people, rising personal incomes are creating a new middle class consumer market and English is widely spoken.

India has opportunities in all sectors as it expands and develops. It is a price-sensitive market, but there is a natural fit between the UK and Indian economies. UK companies offer goods, technology, services and expertise in the areas that India has identified as critical for rapid economic development. 

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and the UK is the third largest investor in India. It has a vibrant and expanding consumer market of over 1.2 billion people, and is destined to be the world's 3^rd largest economy by 2030. This makes India an extremely attractive market with broad-ranging opportunities for UK exporters.

If you are looking to expand your business abroad, exporting is often a logical place to start. 

About this guide

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in India Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about India; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.

We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in India. Full contact details are available in this guide.

To help your business succeed in India we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’ Click Here.

The guide is available in 4 formats:

• this website

• a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play store

• a full colour hard-copy brochure (to order your copy please Click Here)

• PDF download/e-flipbook ((scroll down to see the download information below)

About IOE&IT

An introduction to the Institute of Export & International Trade

Established in 1935, the Institute of Export & International Trade is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Offering a unique range of individual and business membership benefits and a world renowned suite of qualifications and training, the Institute is the leading authority in best practice and competence for businesses trading globally.

To view other videos, please visit the IOE&IT YouTube Channel.

For more information visit: www.export.org.uk