The Complete Guide to Entering the Indian Market in 2026
Everything European companies need to know about market entry, regulatory compliance, and finding the right partners in India.
Why India, Why Now
India is no longer a "future opportunity." It is a present necessity. With a GDP growth rate consistently above 6%, a manufacturing sector being actively courted by global supply chain diversification strategies, and a consumer base of 1.4 billion people, the question is no longer whether to enter India — it is how fast you can get there without making expensive mistakes.
For European industrial companies in particular, the window is now. The EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiations are accelerating. India's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are pulling manufacturing investment. And your competitors — German, French, Dutch — are already on the ground.
The Three Biggest Mistakes European Companies Make
1. Treating India Like a Single Market
India is not one market. It is 28 states, each with different regulations, tax structures, labor laws, and business cultures. A strategy that works in Maharashtra will fail in Tamil Nadu. A partner who dominates Gujarat has zero leverage in Karnataka.
What to do instead: Start with one state. Pick the one where your sector has the strongest ecosystem, the best regulatory support, and where you can find a local partner who actually knows the ground.
2. Underestimating Regulatory Complexity
BIS certification, FSSAI licensing, CDSCO approvals, state-level factory licenses, GST registration, FEMA compliance for foreign investment — the regulatory landscape is dense. And it changes. Frequently.
What to do instead: Budget 3-6 months for regulatory groundwork. Don't assume your European certifications transfer. Get a local regulatory consultant — not a generalist lawyer — who specialises in your sector.
3. Choosing the Wrong Entry Mode
JV vs. WOS vs. distributor vs. licensing. Each has trade-offs. Too many companies default to "find a distributor" because it seems safe. But distributors in India often represent 15+ brands and will deprioritise you the moment a shinier option arrives.
What to do instead: Match your entry mode to your control requirements, capital appetite, and timeline. A Wholly Owned Subsidiary gives you control but requires investment. A JV gives you speed but requires trust. A distributor gives you low risk but low commitment.
The AI Jungle Approach
We compress what traditionally takes 3-6 months of market research into 2 weeks. Our Scout report gives you a 30-page intelligence document covering market sizing, competitive landscape, regulatory requirements, potential partners, and a recommended entry strategy.
Not because we cut corners — but because we use AI-powered research systems, combined with 7+ years of on-the-ground experience in Indian industry, to work faster and more comprehensively than traditional consulting firms.
What a Good Market Entry Timeline Looks Like
- Week 1-2: Market Intelligence Report (our Scout tier)
- Week 3-6: Readiness Assessment + Action Plan (our Accelerator tier)
- Month 2-4: Entity setup, regulatory filings, partner identification
- Month 4-6: First shipments, pilot customers, operational setup
Next Steps
If you're a European industrial company considering India, start with data — not assumptions. Download our free 2026 India Market Entry Playbook, or book a 15-minute call to discuss your specific situation.
The jungle is dense. But with the right guide, you don't need a machete. You need a map.