Doing Business in India: Import & Distribution Insights from Global Leaders
Maier Vidorno Altios presents a detailed look at India’s fast-changing trade environment and what it means for international companies. Based on expert interviews, sector-specific examples, and on-the-ground operational insights, this report helps decode the realities of entering, operating, and expanding within India’s unique import and distribution ecosystem.
With India emerging as the 4th largest global economy, many foreign companies are rethinking their entry and expansion strategies. This report offers practical guidance on localization, operational risk management, and building agile, future-proof supply chains.
India’s Supply Chain Evolution
India’s logistics and supply chain sector is undergoing a significant shift. Once viewed mainly as a cost center, it is now recognized as a core strategic lever for companies entering or scaling in India. Driven by ongoing digitalization, infrastructure development under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, and trade-friendly reforms, India is positioning itself as a global hub for logistics and distribution.
Government policies like RoDTeP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products) and the National Logistics Policy are making cross-border trade easier by reducing red tape and encouraging efficient operations.
Many global firms with Indian subsidiaries are now embracing:
Localized warehousing
Integrated ERP systems
Real-time supply chain visibility
Digital last-mile logistics platforms
In contrast, companies that continue to rely solely on third-party importers often face operational delays, limited market transparency, and reduced control over customer engagement.
Key Insights: Common Challenges and Winning Models
This industry analysis identifies major trends shaping success in India’s import and distribution landscape:
A dominant share (80–90%) of local employees in international firms are in sales and distribution roles, underscoring the importance of strong local teams.
Over 70% of companies with deeper India footprints, especially in the machinery sector, favor subsidiary-led distribution models for better control and responsiveness.
Those with local legal entities and robust ERP systems report greater visibility, quicker decisions, and improved compliance.
Talent shortages, particularly in technical sales and supply chain management, are a persistent challenge—highlighted by 65% of companies.
Over 60% are expanding beyond metro cities, localizing services and infrastructure to meet the diverse demands of Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.
Enabling Growth: Maier Vidorno Altios as Your Supply Chain Partner
For global companies aiming to grow sustainably in India, success clearly depends on early localization, technology adoption, and the right partnerships.
With over 25 years of experience in India, Maier Vidorno Altios supports international businesses across:
Market entry and setup
Local operations management
HR, compliance, and regulatory advisory
This report reinforces a critical takeaway: early investment in supply chain design and localized execution is essential to unlocking India’s full trade potential—helping companies scale distribution faster, lower operational costs, and build long-term competitiveness in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
