Guide to Profit from INDIA

Know WHAT you want...

Have clear objectives for your company and ensure that your company's growth decisions are aligned with India strategy.

I recommend: Buyusa.gov provides excellent information on assessing your objectives and provide the need-to-know on doing business in India

Assess and Analyze Opportunities in India:

First qualify the opportunity for your product/services or your investments into India. Get the research tailored to your needs.

I recommend: 1) Buyusa.gov provides "Best Prospects" to find out about the leading sectors for U.S. exports and investments. 
2) Excellent Market Research Reports are available on buyusa.gov. 
3) The country commercial guide for India from US Department of Commerce is an excellent tool for US companies tracking trade and investment opportunities in India.
4) Indian Brand Equity Foundation group from India also provides vast information on opportunities in various industries and sectors.

Ask yourself……Are we ready??

Assess if your company is prepared with clear business objectives and also associated risks with time and money.

I recommend: Take assistance of trade specialists from US Department of Commerce

Attend Trade Events:

Trade events are an excellent resource to identify potential opportunities, meet subject matter experts, showcase your products and services, network and connect with right people/potential partners/buyers/suppliers

I recommend: Export.gov provides list of official trade events and missions.  Other great sources of trade shows, exhitbitions, events are as follows:
1) Indian Brand Equity Foundation
2) Confederation of Indian Industry
3) From Government of India site
4) Reed Expo
5) Trade Roots
6) US India Business Council
7) Indian Industry
8) Biz Trade

Find Partner/s in India:

It is every essential and recommended to have a local partner, who understands the language and culture to conduct business dealings with other vendors or suppliers in India, negotiate, develop sales and distribution channels, price the product and services as per the targeted market segment, and protects the intellectual wealth of your company. Due diligence and strong contractual agreements with identified partners are highly recommended in India.

I recommend: US Department of Commerce has excellent services for US companies to find right Indian partner. I also strongly recommend foreign companies to become member of Indian associations like:
1) United States India Business Council (USIBC),
2) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII),
3) Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI),
4) American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM),
5)  Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM),
6) National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM)
as per your choice of industry.

Market Entry Options:

Depending on your objectives in the Indian market and best practices, forge relationships with the Indian partners. Options may include subsidiary relationship, joint venture, branch or liaison or branch office. India is a very diversified and big country, so you can form relationships with various partners local to the market of interest.

I recommend: Using the trade specialist services from buyusa.gov is an excellent way to start. 
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion under government of India provides excellent information for foreign companies pursuing entry into India

Industry and Professional Associations in India:

With India’s business environment in transition, laws affecting trade, investment, taxes, capital markets, etc are changing rapidly and very had to keep track of for SMEs. Through membership services with such Industry associations, businesses can benefit from attaining information at minimal cost.

I recommend: Depending on the industry/sector of interest Confederation of Indian Industry, FICCI, AMCHAM, ASSOCAM, and NASSCOM are a few industry associations that a foreign business must look into. 
India One Stop provides a comprehensive list of professional organizations in India that foreign companies must know of.

Export Assistance from US:

The U.S. Commercial Service helps U.S. companies to expand their business to worldwide markets and has the largest presence, outside US, with 7 offices in India. U.S. Commercial Service offices are located in 107 U.S. cities and 145 U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide to take advantage of.

I recommend: Buyusa.gov provides vast information on doing business with and in India.