Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India

Published Fri, 02 Jun 2023 FEMA

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India refers to the investment made by foreign entities or individuals in Indian businesses or projects. FDI plays a significant role in India's economic growth by boosting capital inflows, promoting job creation, facilitating technology transfer, and fostering overall development.

India has implemented various policies and reforms to attract FDI across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, services, retail, and infrastructure. The government has streamlined regulations, eased restrictions, and introduced initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India to encourage foreign investors.

Over the years, India has witnessed steady growth in FDI inflows. According to available data, the total FDI inflows in the country in the last 23 years (April 2000 - March 2023) are $ 919 bn while the total FDI inflows received in the last 9 years (April 2014- March 2023) was $ 595.25 bn which amounts to nearly 65% of total FDI inflow in last 23 years. Further, total FDI inflows in the country in the FY 22-23 is $ 70.97 bn and total FDI equity inflows stands at $ 46.03 bn. Major sectors that received significant FDI include computer software and hardware, services sector, telecommunications, and automobile industry. However, the Indian government continues to prioritize attracting FDI and implementing policies to enhance the investment climate in the country.

Modes of FDI in India

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India can be made through various modes, which include:

1. Automatic Route: Under the automatic route, FDI is allowed without prior approval from the government or the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This route is applicable to sectors where FDI is permitted up to certain limits or without any restrictions. Investors only need to inform the RBI after the investment is made.
2. Government Route: In sectors that require government approval or have certain conditions for FDI, the government route is followed. Investors need to seek prior approval from the respective ministry or department concerned or through the Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP).
3. Joint Ventures: Foreign investors can form joint ventures with Indian partners to establish a presence in India. In a joint venture, both parties share ownership, control, and risks. This mode is particularly common in sectors that have specific ownership or investment restrictions.
4. Merger and Acquisition: Foreign companies can acquire an existing Indian company or merge with an Indian company. This mode allows foreign investors to enter the Indian market by taking over an established business and leveraging its assets, customer base, and market share.
5. FDI in LLP (Limited Liability Partnerships): Foreign investors can also participate in Indian LLPs, which are hybrid entities combining the features of a partnership and a company. LLPs allow foreign investors to have limited liability and flexibility in managing the business.
6. Subscription to Shares and Debentures: FDI can be made through the subscription of shares or debentures of an Indian company. This mode allows foreign investors to invest in the equity or debt instruments of Indian companies.

It's important to note that the specific modes and requirements for FDI may vary depending on the sector, industry, and the amount of investment involved. The government periodically reviews and updates FDI policies and regulations to facilitate ease of doing business and attract foreign investment.

FDI Related Compliance Requirements

Compliance requirements for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India are governed by various regulations, policies, and guidelines set by the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The compliance framework aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rules and regulations related to FDI. Here are some key aspects of FDI compliance in India:

1. Sector-specific Regulations: Different sectors in India have specific FDI policies and regulations. Investors need to comply with sectoral caps, entry routes (automatic or government route), and any conditions or restrictions imposed on FDI in that particular sector.
2. Reporting and Documentation: Foreign investors are required to submit necessary documents and information to the RBI or the relevant government department, depending on the sector and the amount of investment. This includes filing of prescribed forms, reporting of investments, and compliance with reporting timelines.
3. Compliance with FEMA: FDI transactions are regulated under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Foreign investors must comply with FEMA provisions regarding repatriation of funds, reporting requirements, compliance with pricing guidelines, and other relevant provisions.
4. Compliance with Company Law: Foreign investors establishing a company in India or investing in an existing Indian company need to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. This includes compliance with company registration, maintenance of books of accounts, annual filing requirements, and corporate governance norms.
5. Statutory Compliances: FDI-compliant entities in India are required to fulfill various statutory compliances, such as tax obligations, labor laws, environmental regulations, intellectual property rights, and other applicable laws and regulations.
6. External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) Compliance: If foreign investors raise funds through external commercial borrowings, they need to comply with the RBI's guidelines regarding borrowing limits, reporting requirements, end-use restrictions, and repayment obligations.
7. Transfer Pricing Compliance: In case of transactions between the Indian entity and its foreign parent company or group companies, transfer pricing regulations may apply. Compliance with transfer pricing regulations, including documentation and arm's length pricing requirements, is essential.

FEMA Reporting Requirement

Under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India, foreign investors are required to fulfill various reporting requirements. These reporting requirements ensure transparency, track capital inflows, and enable regulatory compliance. Here are the key reporting requirements for FDI in India:

1. Initial Investment: Foreign investors need to report the details of their initial investment in an Indian entity to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) within 30 days from the date of allotment of shares. This reporting is done through the prescribed form known as the Foreign Currency -Gross Provisional Return (FCGPR) form.
2. Subsequent Capital Inflows: In case there are subsequent capital inflows, such as additional investments, share subscriptions, or other forms of capital augmentation, foreign investors need to report these transactions to the RBI within 30 days from the date of allotment of shares. This reporting is also done using the FCGPR form.
3. Disinvestment or Transfer of Shares: If there is a disinvestment or transfer of shares by a foreign investor, it needs to be reported to the RBI within 60 days of the transfer of capital instruments or the remittance of funds, whichever is earlier. The reporting is done through the FCTRS form. Further the following forms shall be used for reporting of Transfer of other securities:
   • LLP-I- The form is used for Foreign Direct Investment, which an LLP requires.
   • LLP-II- The form which is used for Divestment or transfer of capital contribution in an LLP.
   • CN -The form which is used for the transfer or issue of convertible notes. The reporting of the same must be completed within 60 days from the transfer of the notes. 
   • DRR-The form deals with the issue or transfer of depository receipts.
   • ESOP-The ESOP form is used for issuing employee stock options or sweat equity shares.
4. Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA): All Indian companies receiving FDI are required to submit an annual return known as the FLA return to the RBI by July 15th of each year. The FLA return captures details of equity capital, other capital, and financial liabilities of the Indian company vis-à-vis their foreign investors.
5. Reporting of Downstream Investments: Indian companies receiving FDI are required to report any downstream investments made by them to the RBI. Downstream investments refer to investments made by an Indian company in another Indian company using FDI received by the former. The reporting is done through form DI available on the RBI's Foreign Investment Reporting and Management System (FIRMS) portal.
6. Reporting of Overseas Direct Investment (ODI): A resident Indian individual who makes an overseas investment is required to submit Form ODI within six months. Share certificates or any other documentary evidence received for investment in a foreign Joint Venture or Wholly owned subsidiary must be submitted to the designated AD.
7. Annual Performance Report: This report is to be submitted by a Resident individual who has made an Overseas Direct Investment (ODI). It is to be provided in Form ODI Part II to the AD (Authorised Dealer) bank regarding Joint Venture or Wholly Owned Subsidiaries outside India on or before 31st December every year. APR has to be certified by a Chartered Accountant (CA) or statutory auditor of the Indian Party. Annual Performance Report must be submitted to the Authorised Bank for compliance under FEMA.
8. External Commercial Borrowings (ECB): All borrowers must report all ECB transactions to the RBI through an AD Category – I Bank every month in the Form ‘ECB 2 Return’.

It is important to note that the specific reporting requirements may vary depending on the sector, nature of investment, and the amount involved. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements may attract penalties or other regulatory actions. Foreign investors should consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure accurate and timely compliance with the reporting obligations under FEMA for FDI in India.

Why Choose Companies Next for FEMA Compliance?

Companies Next can help you in the following ways - 

• Assistance with the formal components of FEMA Compliance standards.

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• RBI and FEMA post-compliance services.

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