Selling in India: a promising market for Italian exports

India continues to emerge as one of the most promising markets for international expansion of Italian companies. Thanks to robust economic growth, a central role in global supply chains and an ever-expanding domestic market, theIndia offers a unique opportunity to the export of Made in Italy. This article examines the relevant economic aspects and highlights why Italian companies should consider India as a key investment and export destination.

Prospects for selling in India

Indian financial markets have shown remarkable resilience, with the BSE Sensex index rising 0.2% from 7-10 May 2025, followed by the Nifty 50. According to The Economic Times newspaper, this stability reflects the strength of the Indian economywhich recently rose to fourth place among the world's economies, surpassing Japan. This shows that India continues to be perceived as a reliable market for international investors. This is a crucial factor for Italian companies wishing to expand their exports and consolidate their presence in the country.

Why India remains a promising market for Italian exports

India thus confirms itself as one of the most dynamic economies globally. With a population that has overtaken China's, making it the largest in the world, the country offers a vast and ever-expanding domestic market. Its economic growth, supported by structural reforms confirmed after the re-election of Modiand a young, skilled workforce, has attracted the attention of giants such as Apple, which plans to move part of the iPhone production from China to India to diversify their supply chains. This trend opens up important prospects for Italian companies that want to expand their business in this country, especially in the technology, automation and industrial machinery sectors.

India is also a nerve centre for the IT services and outsourcing industry, with cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad hosting thousands of global companies. For Italian digital and technology companies, collaborating with Indian partners can mean access to high-level expertise at competitive costs. Moreover, the country is a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, an area where Italy, with its excellence in the production of drugs and medical equipment, could find significant synergies.

Key Sectors to Sell in India

India represents a unique opportunity for the Made in Italydue to the growing demand for high quality products in various sectors. Below are some areas of particular interest for Italian companies:

• Fashion and luxury: India's rapidly expanding middle class shows a growing interest in European fashion, in particular in Italian brands known for style and quality. Clothing, footwear, accessories and jewellery represent export categories with enormous potential. International trade fairs and e-commerce platforms are facilitating the entry of these products into the Indian market.
• Agribusiness: Iconic products such as Italian wine, olive oil, pasta and cheese are gaining popularity among Indian consumers, especially in urban areas. Despite tariff barriers and logistical challenges, interest in Italian cuisine offers opportunities for food & beverage companies.
• Machinery and technology: India is investing heavily in industrial modernisation and automation. Italian companies, leaders in the production of machinery for the textile, food and manufacturing industries, can find a receptive market. Moreover, the Indian government's focus on initiatives such as 'Make in India' encourages partnerships with foreign companies for local production.
• Infrastructure and energy: with a growing population and rapid urbanisation, India needs infrastructure solutionsmobility and energy resource management. Italian companies specialising in renewable energy, energy efficiency technologies and civil engineering can contribute to these developments by benefiting from government incentives.

Resilience and economic stability

India has in recent years demonstrated a unique ability to maintaining economic stabilityIt continues to be seen as a safe haven for foreign investment. This is crucial for Italian companies seeking reliable markets for international expansion and wanting to sell in India.

A further strength is India's role as a strategic alternative to China for manufacturing and outsourcing. With trade tensions between China and the US pushing multinationals to diversify their production bases, India is positioning itself as a privileged destination. For Italian companies, this means the opportunity to enter a market that is not only vast, but also strategically important for the future of global supply chains.

New in BIS Certification: a step forward for companies exporting to India

We have already talked about theimportance of the BIS certificationwhich is essential for those wishing to sell in India. It is important to know that the certification is constantly being updated and recently a new Scheme Xwhich offers manufacturers the possibility of obtaining a BIS licence or certificate of conformity (CoC), unlike traditional schemes. This new scheme provides for an initial licence valid for three to six years, which is renewable after a positive evaluation of the technical documentation and the production facility, making the certification process more accessible and flexible.

Challenges and strategies for Italian companies

Beyond the delicate geopolitical context current, entering the Indian market still requires careful planning. Italian SMEs face significant cultural, linguistic and bureaucratic barriers, and collaboration with local partners is essential to access distribution networks and institutional relations. Companies need to adapt products to Indian preferences, considering price, sustainability and local customs.

Although recent tensions have highlighted risks to regional stability, India remains a resilient, high-growth economy, capable of attracting substantial international investment and represents an unmissable strategic opportunity for Italian exportsas we explained in detail in the article.

In this complex but promising scenario, relying on Octagona, a recognised leader in the consultancy for the internationalization of companiescan make a decisive difference for Italian companies wishing to expand successfully in India. Contact us to find out how we can help you turn this extraordinary opportunity into concrete and lasting results for your company.