Doing Business in India

2026/2027

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

3

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

Department of Management

Course type:

Elective course

When:

2 year, 1 module

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course provides students with up‑to‑date insights into the economic and legal landscape of India, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the country’s complex market environment. It combines analysis of regulatory frameworks (including GST, foreign investment rules, and digital payment systems) with key socio‑economic indicators (such as uneven purchasing power across regions and rapid urbanization outside the top‑tier cities) to build a holistic understanding of the Indian business context. Building on established programs focused on doing business in India, the course emphasizes the “plural” nature of the Indian market: commercial conditions vary significantly below the national level, requiring tailored, portfolio‑style strategies rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Through case studies and market entry simulations, students learn to design realistic international business strategies that account for regional disparities, local consumer behavior, and infrastructure constraints, ultimately preparing them to make data‑driven decisions for market entry and growth in India.

Learning Objectives

• 1. Understand India's economic structure and institutional environment. 2. Evaluate opportunities and challenges for foreign firms operating in India. 3. Assess India's role in global trade, investment, and supply chains. 4. Develop market-entry and expansion strategies for the Indian market. 5. Analyze the impact of digitalization, sustainability, and policy reforms on business competitiveness. 6. Apply business strategy frameworks to real-world Indian business cases.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• 1. Explain key characteristics of India's economy and business environment. 2. Assess regulatory and institutional factors affecting business decisions. 3. Evaluate investment opportunities across major sectors. 4. Analyze the role of culture and institutions in shaping business outcomes
• 5. Design market-entry strategies for foreign firms. 6. Assess India's position in global value chains and supply networks. 7. Examine sustainability and ESG challenges facing businesses in India. 8. Present strategic recommendations supported by evidence and analysis

Course Contents

• MODULE 1: India's Economic Transformation and Business Environment
• MODULE 2: Institutions, Regulation, and the Ease of Doing Business
• MODULE 3: Foreign Direct Investment and Market Entry Strategies
• MODULE 4: Digital India, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
• MODULE 5: Manufacturing, Supply Chains, and China+1 Strategy
• MODULE 6: Sustainability, ESG, and the Future of Business in India

Assessment Elements

• Class Participation and Discussion
• Case Analysis Assignments
• Final Assessment

Interim Assessment

• 2026/2027 1st module
  0.5 * Final Assessment + 0.3 * Class Participation and Discussion + 0.2 * Case Analysis Assignments

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Indirect rule in India : residents and residency system, 1764-1858, Fisher, M., 1994

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• A Companion to American Indian History, , 2002
• Age of entanglement : German and Indian intellectuals across empire, Manjapra, K., 2014

Presentation

• All the presentations have been uploaded to the LMS.

Authors

• Kaplun Mariia Nikitichna
• Matetskaia Marina Vladimirovna