2020 was a year that witnessed global disruptions, economic downturn and volatility owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In the wake of the pandemic, the Government of India undertook several regulatory and legal reforms with the aim of curtailing the economic slump and bolstering foreign investment, while simultaneously suppressing opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of Indian companies.
The tone of the reforms initiated over the course of the year has been underscored by the concept of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued Press Note 3 of 2020 on 18 April 2020 (Press Note 3 of 2020), imposing stricter norms on foreign investments in Indian companies from an investor based out of China and other bordering countries (i.e., Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan) (Restricted Country). Investments from Hong Kong and Taiwan are also covered by Press Note 3 of 2020.
Pursuant to this amendment, prior government approval will now be required for any foreign investment in or acquisition / transfer of an Indian company (directly or indirectly), where the acquirer or beneficial owner of such investment is based out of a Restricted Country. This is regardless of whether or not such investment falls in a sector under the ambit of approval route (i.e. requires prior government approval for FDI) or not under the FDI policy. Further, transfer of ownership of any existing or future FDI into an Indian entity (directly or indirectly), resulting in beneficial ownership by an entity, or a person who is situated in or is a citizen, of a Restricted Country now requires prior government approval.
Please click here for a more detailed analysis.
If you would like to receive content directly in your inbox from our knowledge repository, please complete this subscription form. This service is reserved for clients and eligible contacts.
This page contains general information regarding Trilegal and is not intended as a solicitation or an advertisement of its services or any invitation or inducement of any sort. Nothing contained in this website constitutes legal advice or creation of a lawyer-client relationship. If you have any issues, you must seek legal advice. Trilegal is not liable for the consequences of any action taken by relying on the material/information provided on this website. For more information, please read our terms of use and our privacy policy.