Naina Bhardwaj, Manager – International Business Advisory at Dezan Shira & Associates India, represented the firm as a panelist at MAPIC India 2025, speaking at the session titled, “What’s Fueling India’s Retail Sector.” The discussion explored India’s projected US$2 trillion retail opportunity, with consumption growth increasingly extending beyond Tier I cities into Tier II and III markets. This shift is reshaping retail expansion and investment strategies across high-growth segments such as fashion and lifestyle, food and beverage, and technology-enabled retail.
Based on her hands-on experience helping global retail brands, Naina explained how India’s retail growth is fueled by increasing consumer demand, government policies, and readiness to operate, which are also influencing how investors, lenders, and private equity firms evaluate growth potential, investment strategies, and exit plans in various sectors.
Naina noted that global brands are increasingly drawn to India’s consumption story, particularly as demand deepens beyond Tier I cities. However, what ultimately fuels scalable retail growth is the ability to operate effectively within India’s regulatory framework. Product certification requirements such as BIS, sector-specific licensing, and alignment with FDI and indirect tax structures are critical to building compliant, resilient retail models. In India, regulatory strategy directly shapes speed-to-market and long-term brand sustainability.
The conference brought together leaders from global retail conglomerates such as IKEA, Ducati, and Gruppo Teddy, alongside notable investors, providing a platform to exchange insights on how consumption trends, supply chain localization, and regulatory frameworks are shaping India’s retail expansion story.
Naina’s participation reflects Dezan Shira & Associates’ continued engagement with multinational companies navigating India’s retail and consumer markets, supported by the firm’s integrated advisory capabilities across market entry, investment structuring, tax, and regulatory compliance.
If you are exploring investment opportunities, evaluating market entry or expansion in India, or requiring strategic guidance on navigating India’s regulatory and retail landscape, please feel free to contact Naina Bhardwaj at naina.bhardwaj@dezshira.com or india@dezshira.com.
Dezan Shira & Associates’ Presence in India
With offices in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as associates in all other major cities, Dezan Shira Consultancy Services Private Limited offers robust compliance services and growth solutions to complex businesses entering India.
Our services in India include structuring & incorporation, tax & regulatory registration & compliance, due diligence, intellectual property & brand protection, business & tax advisory, HR administration, payroll management, and bookkeeping & accounting. Our legal & business advisory services include contract reviews, financial reviews, and CXO assistance services. Should you have any questions or queries about investing or doing business in India, you can get in touch with our team in india@dezshira.com.
Further Resources
To learn more about the growing opportunities in India’s business environment, please visit our Doing Business in India Online Portal and India Briefing, where you can find resources such as:
- Regulatory Standards When Selling to the Indian Market [Publication]
- What is India’s FDI Outlook for 2026? Key Policy Changes, Sectors, and Trade Deals [Article]
- How French Companies Leverage India as a Global Delivery Base [Article]
- Tapping into India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities: A Practical Playbook for Foreign Investors [Publication]
- India’s Luxury Market Potential for Italian Brands [Article]
- How to Navigate Cultural Differences in India to Succeed in Your Business Journey [Article]
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