HOW ARE INDIA'S HOMEGROWN FRANCHISES TURNING GLOBAL FUNDING INTO GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

As the world's fourth-largest economy accelerates toward becoming a global business powerhouse, its homegrown franchise brands are stepping into the spotlight with newfound confidence and international ambition. From fashion and food to fintech and cloud kitchens, Indian franchises are rapidly scaling across borders, attracting global capital, and rewriting the playbook for international business expansion, while defining India's new global identity.

- PARINA SOOD

India’s ascent as a global economic force is becoming a defining trend of the decade. Backed by robust GDP growth, pro-business reforms, and a rising consumer market, the country is now firmly positioned as a preferred destination for international investments. Indian brands are not only expanding domestically but also gaining recognition and capital from around the world.

India’s influence in the global retail, food, and tech markets is rapidly growing.

As confidence builds among global investors, Indian franchise brands are emerging as not just success stories—but strategic partners in international business.

They are now exporting their business models, at- tracting foreign investment, and franchising internation- ally.

India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement: A Game Changer for Global Trust

A key development reinforc- ing this global trust in India’s business landscape is the India-EFTA Free Trade Agree- ment (TEPA), signed in March 2024 and set to take effect by September 2025.

Speaking in Switzer- land, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, “There’s a lot of excitement here about India. Swiss com- panies are looking at India as a destination not just for selling, but for manufacturing and innovation.”

The TEPA agreement includes:

• $100 billion investment commitment from EFTA na- tions (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) over the next 15 years.

• Tariff reductions on luxury and high-value im- ports, such as Swiss watches and chocolates.

• Incentives for foreign companies to establish opera- tions in India across pharma- ceuticals, cybersecurity, and machinery manufacturing.