Riccardo Benussi, Partner at Dezan Shira & Associates, recently concluded a fruitful three-day visit to Barcelona centred on India-related engagements and opportunities for Catalan companies.
A central part of Riccardo’s visit was his participation in the conference “India and the EU Free Trade Agreement: New Opportunities for Catalan Companies“ held on October 14 and organised by Casa Asia and ACCIÓ (the Government of Catalonia’s business competitiveness agency) in close cooperation with the Consulate General of India in Barcelona. Casa Asia is one of Spain’s foremost institutions dedicated to strengthening relations with the Asia-Pacific region and is backed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, and Madrid City Council.
The event was held during an especially significant year for India’s relations with both the European Union and Spain. In 2026, Spain and India are marking 70 years of diplomatic relations through the Spain-India Dual Year. Against this backdrop, the event brought together representatives from the European Commission, the Government of Catalonia and the Consulate General of India, alongside Catalan companies with direct experience in the Indian market.
Discussions focused on the evolving EU-India trade relationship, business, and investment opportunities in India, and the practical considerations for European companies assessing market entry. The program also included contributions from Jorge Torres of DG Trade at the European Commission, Cristina Serradell, and Robin Singh of ACCIÓ as well as,representatives from Fitó Seeds, Derypol, and Alsina, who contributed policy, market-support, and first-hand business perspectives.
Riccardo’s contribution used a comparative lens to place Catalonia’s relationship with India in a broader global context, before diving into the practical decisions companies need to make when entering the market — from validating demand and vetting partners to choosing the right structure, state, and compliance approach. His presentation concluded with a set of clear and practical takeaways for companies considering India.
Beyond the conference, Riccardo’s trip included meetings with fellow network members from ETL GLOBAL Spain, as well as key local organisations and institutions, including ACCIÓ and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, to explore areas of mutual interest around internationalisation and support for Catalan companies looking toward Asia.
The visit further included a meeting at the Consulate General of India in Barcelona, where Riccardo was received by Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, Consul General of India in Barcelona, and Ms. Aarsha N.S., Consul and Head of Chancery.
Our Presence in Europe and India
Dezan Shira & Associates has an established presence in both Europe and India, supporting European companies exploring and expanding into the Indian market.
Incorporated in Munich in 2021, the European team acts as a first point of contact for companies seeking market intelligence, investment planning, and market-entry support. In India, the firm operates from Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, advising foreign investors on structuring, tax, regulatory compliance, and ongoing operations.
Together, the European and India teams provide companies with coordinated support from the initial assessment and planning stages in Europe through to establishment and operations on the ground in India.
For inquiries related to doing business in India, please contact India@dezshira.com
Further EU-India Resources
- India Market Entry in Motion: Trade, Distribution, FTAs, and Scale-Up Strategy [Publication]
- Understanding Rules of Origin in the India–EU FTA: What Exporters Must Know [Article]
- India Guide | Doing Business in India [Investor Portal]
- Asiapedia | India–EU Free Trade Agreement Finalized: What It Means for Your Business | [Webinar Recording]
