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India Eases FDI Rules for Land-Border Countries, Boosts Manufacturing Approvals

India has recalibrated its FDI policy for countries sharing land borders, introducing a beneficial ownership test and 10% threshold for automatic route investments to attract more capital into electronics, capital goods, and polysilicon manufacturing.

Key Points

  • India introduces beneficial ownership test for land-border country investors
  • 10% threshold set for automatic route investments
  • Focus sectors include electronics, capital goods, and polysilicon manufacturing
  • Replaces COVID-era PN3 rule requiring government approval for all LBC investments
  • Aligns with Make in India and PLI scheme objectives

Full Details

India has updated its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy for countries sharing land borders, introducing a defined beneficial ownership test and a 10% threshold for automatic route investments. The policy change makes it easier for foreign investors from land-bordering countries (LBCs) to invest in India. Previously, PN3 required government approval for all investments from LBCs or their beneficial owners—a rule implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent opportunistic takeovers. The updated policy focuses on electronics, capital goods, and polysilicon manufacturing sectors, aligning with 'Make in India' and PLI scheme objectives. Experts see this as a practical step that could unlock capital for startups and deep-tech firms, making India a more competitive investment destination.

Why It Matters

This policy shift represents a calculated balance between attracting foreign investment and maintaining national security. By introducing a threshold-based approach instead of blanket restrictions, India can now selectively welcome capital while screening for genuine versus opportunistic investments, potentially boosting manufacturing capacity in strategic sectors.

Sourcewhalesbook.com

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