Explore practical considerations for entering the Indian market, including agreements, performance, IP, communication, and flexibility to support a structured, lower‑risk approach.

What you’ll learn

• How to evaluate different routes to market in India
• How to assess, identify, and conduct due diligence on suitable business partners
• How to approach commercial discussions, negotiations, and partnership agreements more effectively in the Indian market

Description

India presents strong growth opportunities for UK exporters, but entering the market successfully requires careful planning around routes to market, partner selection, and commercial engagement strategies. In this webinar, experts from the UK India Business Council will guide UK businesses through the main market-entry approaches in India, including direct sales, distributors, agents, e-commerce and online marketplaces, licensing and franchising, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, local subsidiaries, and manufacturing or assembly operations in India. The session will help exporters assess which route-to-market model may best align with their product, sector, and growth ambitions, while highlighting key commercial considerations businesses should evaluate before entering the market.

Alongside market-entry strategies, the webinar will also provide practical guidance on partner assessment and due diligence in the Indian market. Drawing on UKIBC’s on-the-ground experience, the session will cover important considerations when engaging potential distributors, agents, or strategic partners, including evaluating market coverage, business capability, commercial alignment, sector experience, reputation, and long-term suitability.

The session will further explore key commercial considerations for India market entry, including the importance of clearly defined agreements, performance expectations, intellectual property awareness, communication practices, and maintaining flexibility in commercial relationships. The discussion will focus on practical business considerations intended to help exporters approach market entry in a structured, commercially informed, and lower-risk manner.

Speakers

Shivraj Chaudhary

Senior Manager, UK India Business Council

Shivraj Chaudhary is a Senior Manager at the UK India Business Council, where he works closely with UK businesses looking to enter, grow, and succeed in the Indian market. He is passionate about helping companies navigate the complexities of doing business in India and turning opportunities into practical growth strategies.

With more than 15 years of experience in management consulting, Shivraj has supported senior leadership teams across global and mid-sized organisations on market entry, growth strategy, business case development, industry analysis, and project management. Known for his structured and pragmatic approach, he helps businesses simplify complex challenges and make informed strategic decisions.

Over the course of his career, he has worked extensively with leadership teams across sectors, supporting them in evaluating market opportunities, shaping expansion plans, and executing critical projects with confidence.

Prior to joining UKIBC, Shivraj worked with Boston Analytics India Pvt. Ltd. and Strategic Analysis India Pvt. Ltd., where he led consulting and research engagements across industries including Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Retail, Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Infrastructure, Automotive, FMCG, Food & Drink, and Engineering Goods. His role involved managing end-to-end project delivery, leading teams, engaging with clients, and ensuring insights translated into meaningful business outcomes.