Seminar: Investing in India Today: A Strategic Market Shaping Global Business Decisions (Baker McKenzie)

On May 5, 2026, the seminar “Investing in India Today” sent a powerful and timely message to Italian and international businesses alike: India is no longer merely a future opportunity—it is a strategic market of the present that is increasingly shaping global investment flows, supply chain diversification, and long-term business strategies.

The event was organized by Baker McKenzie, a valued ICCI member, with the support and patronage of ICCI. The seminar brought together companies, advisors, and professionals with direct operational experience in India to discuss the realities, opportunities, and challenges of entering and scaling up in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

A key contribution came from Marco Bettin, who represented ICCI during the discussion and shared valuable insights into the evolution of India’s economic landscape. His remarks highlighted both the scale of India’s ongoing transformation and the practical considerations European businesses must take into account when entering the market.

The discussion highlighted several important trends currently shaping India’s investment environment.

India is increasingly becoming a key pillar of global diversification strategies, with multinational companies repositioning their supply chains and manufacturing operations to reduce concentration risks and strengthen resilience. As global businesses reassess their sourcing and production models, India is emerging as a strategic alternative with significant long-term potential.

Participants also discussed how India’s demographic profile, rapid urbanization, and growing skilled workforce continue to drive sustained economic growth. The country’s expanding middle class, digital transformation, and infrastructure development are creating opportunities across manufacturing, technology, consumer goods, energy, logistics, and advanced services.

At the same time, the seminar emphasized the importance of structured preparation and local execution capabilities. While India offers considerable potential, businesses must navigate regulatory complexities, multi-layered decision-making processes, and cultural differences that can significantly impact market entry and operational success. Companies that approach India with a long-term strategy and strong local alignment are generally better positioned to scale effectively.

Another key point raised during the discussion concerned the growing openness of several sectors to foreign investors. Recent policy developments and reforms have created greater operational flexibility for international companies across multiple industries, facilitating more direct investment structures and broader market participation.

Another key theme that emerged was the importance of understanding India at the state level. Incentives, industrial policies, infrastructure readiness, and the ease of doing business can vary significantly from one state to another, making location strategy a critical factor in project success and investment performance.

The conversation also underscored how local leadership and talent alignment remain critical success factors. Building strong local teams and ensuring cultural and operational integration are often key determinants of scalability, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability in the Indian market.

The seminar ultimately drove home a clear message: India should not be viewed as a peripheral or opportunistic market, but as a strategic business destination that requires commitment, depth, and a long-term vision.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce in Italy would like to extend its sincere thanks to all speakers and participants for the high-quality discussion and the practical insights shared throughout the session.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Baker McKenzie and Marco Marazzi for their collaboration and for proposing and promoting such an important and successful initiative aimed at strengthening business relations between Italy and India.