Topic
foreign investment
Finance CBDT Extends PAN Exemption to Category I and II AIFs to Ease Foreign Investments
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has amended Income Tax rules to exempt Category I and II Alternative Investment Funds, including those in IFSCs, from obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN). This move, effective from July 21, 2026, is expected to expedite onboarding of foreign investors by removing a compliance bottleneck, according to tax experts.
Japan's Sompo Eyes Big India Play as Insurance Reforms Open 100% FDI Door
Japan's Sompo Holdings is evaluating a deeper push into India's insurance market after the government raised the FDI limit to 100%. The company holds a 34.61% stake in Universal Sompo General Insurance and sees India as a strategically important market, with CEO Kenneth Reilly expressing encouragement over regulatory changes and committing to future capital support.
Vivo-Dixon JV: Government Approval Sets Template for Chinese Smartphone Makers in India
India has approved a manufacturing joint venture between China's Vivo and Dixon Technologies, first announced in December 2024. Dixon will hold 51% and Vivo 49%, acquiring certain manufacturing assets. The venture could add 20-22 million smartphones annually to Dixon's volumes, serving as a template for Chinese phone makers navigating India's foreign investment framework.
India Allows Four Chinese Power Equipment Firms Into Critical Tenders Amid Political Backlash
India has allowed four Chinese power equipment manufacturers—TBEA Energy, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India, and Taikai Electric (India)—to participate in government tenders for critical power projects without prior security clearances. The finance ministry order dated June 24 grants a two-year exemption following a request from the power ministry. The move has drawn criticism from Congress, with party general secretary Jairam Ramesh calling it a 'calibrated capitulation' to China.
India-Israel Bilateral Investment Pact Takes Effect from 4 July 2026
The Bilateral Investment Agreement between India and Israel, signed on 8 September 2025 in New Delhi, came into force on 4 July 2026. The pact aims to protect investments while preserving policy space for public objectives, and is expected to boost cross-border investment. Separately, India's Piyush Goyal announced plans to negotiate a trade pact.
Indian Rupee Strengthens 43 Paise to 94.97 on Lower Oil Prices and FII Inflows
The Indian rupee strengthened by 43 paise to 94.97 against the US dollar, recording its sharpest single-session gain in three weeks, supported by Saudi Arabia's $11/barrel cut in August crude oil prices for Asia, FII net equity purchases of Rs 243.03 crore, and improved global risk sentiment. The currency opened at 95.33 and traded in a 94.94-95.37 range before closing near 94.95. Broader market indicators showed Brent crude at $72.9/barrel and the dollar index at 100.96.
FPIs' $5bn Bond Purchase Offsets Steady Equity Sales in June
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) recorded net inflows of $531 million in June, the first positive monthly print after months of sustained outflows. This was driven by a $5.8 billion surge in sovereign debt inflows, which offset continued equity selling of $5.2 billion during the month.
Invest in India Before It's Too Late, Piyush Goyal Tells Investors at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice
Union Minister Piyush Goyal called on investors and venture capital funds to invest in India now, stating the investment ecosystem is ready and the government will help connect with opportunities. He also urged domestic industries to partner with startups for manufacturing and to leverage free trade agreements to make India a global launchpad.
FM Sitharaman Calls Bond Market Reforms 'First Step,' Signals More Measures to Boost Foreign Capital Inflows
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described recent measures to attract foreign capital as the 'first step,' indicating further actions are under consideration. The government expanded the Fully Accessible Route for government bonds and granted tax exemptions to foreign portfolio investors, while the RBI introduced swap facilities for FCNR(B) deposits and ECBs. India's forex reserves fell by $711 million to $681.61 billion, and rising global fertiliser prices add to external sector strains.
India seeks French investment in manufacturing; Piyush Goyal pitches scale and talent
According to a Times of India report, India is seeking French investment in manufacturing, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal pitching the country's scale and talent. No specific details on investment amounts or sectors were provided in the source.
G-Secs Surge as India Eases Foreign Investment Rules
India's G-Secs rallied as the government and RBI eased foreign investment rules, lowering yields to 6.94%. The move exempts FPIs from taxes, aiming to attract foreign flows.
India's FPI Debt Inflows Surge to $95.5 Billion Since FY99
India's foreign portfolio investment (FPI) debt inflows have reached $95.5 billion since FY99, accounting for 62% of cumulative equity inflows. This trend highlights the growing importance of India's debt market in attracting foreign capital.
India Eyes Foreign Investment Amid US-Iran Conflict
India is set to remove capital gains tax on foreign portfolio investors' government securities to attract foreign investment amid the US-Iran conflict. The move aims to stabilize the economy and counteract foreign capital outflows.
Global Investors Eye India for Long-Term Growth, Says Goyal
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlights India's appeal to global investors at the Citi India Conference 2026. With nine free trade agreements in recent years, India is poised for sustained economic growth.
Foreign Investment Dip: A Self-Correcting Cycle, Says BofA's Sahu
Bank of America's Vikram Sahu highlights the cyclical nature of foreign investment dips in India. Despite short-term challenges, he remains optimistic about long-term growth due to policy resilience and improved business conditions.