Confidence in real estate investment
India is emerging as a standout in the APAC real estate investment landscape, offering significant opportunities for both domestic and international investors. Institutional investors are increasingly partnering with local developers to acquire developmental assets, and domestic investors accounted for about 48% of total investment in the first half of 2025, highlighting the strength of India’s internal capital ecosystem.The nation's rising global profile is attracting major international players, such as Paris-based Galeries Lafayette, which will open its first Mumbai outlet this November and plans a second in the capital. This reflects surging demand for luxury goods in India, now one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer economies. Mumbai and Bengaluru have become key investment hubs, attracting $0.8 billion and $0.5 billion respectively in the first three financial quarters of this year Looking ahead, India’s luxury market is projected to reach $85 billion by 2030.
Economic growth
India has positioned itself as a leader in global economic growth, with its real GDP growing to 7.8% in Q1 FY26. Despite global market volatility, the IMF forecasts GDP growth of 6.6% for FY26. Diversification of export markets has helped offset the impact of the 50% U.S. tariff on Indian goods. Between April and September 2025, exports to 24 countries showed positive growth, amounting to $129.3 billion out of a total $220.12 billion . This shift reflects a strategic redirection of trade away from the US.Domestic factors have also contributed: annual retail inflation declined to 1.54% in September, and a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax rate has encouraged higher spending. The Confederation of All Indian Traders (CAIT) has predicted the festive sales will reach Rs 4.75 trillion highlighting the strong domestic consumption.
Dhruv Chhatralia BEM, Head of the India Group at DWF, says “India’s continued strong GDP growth underscores its position as an economic superpower. Even amid global volatility, the IMF’s positive forecast reflects confidence in India’s structural resilience. The combination of prudent fiscal measures, GST rationalisation, and inflation control has created an environment where businesses and consumers alike can thrive”.
A new era for Indian shipbuilding
India’s maritime ambitions are accelerating, with the government announcing an $8 billion investment to transform shipbuilding and the maritime ecosystem. Although the sector supports nearly 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value, India currently holds less than 1% of the global shipping market.To join the ranks of the world’s top shipbuilding nations, targeted schemes and policy reforms have been introduced. The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme, for example, offers tiered incentives to Indian shipyards, with additional support for green and specialised vessels. The creation of the Maritime Development Fund and the Interest Incentivisation further demonstrate the government's commitment to unlock investment, reduce financing costs, and drive sector growth.
Industry experts are noting this significant shift. Radhika Ruparelia, Senior Associate in the DWF’s Global Risks team explains: “India's $8 billion investment in its maritime sector is a transformative step to enhance India's position in the global shipping market. The new initiatives, which also look to support and advance sustainability goals, will provide incentives for Indian shipyards as well as create numerous opportunities for jobs, economic growth and innovation."
Looking ahead
As India strengthens its economic foundations, global businesses have a unique opportunity to engage with a market that is confident, dynamic and poised for long-term growth. The momentum presents a compelling landscape for strategic investment and expansion.
DWF is a leading legal adviser to Indian and India-focussed companies, financial institutions and high net worth individuals and families. Our India Group, consisting of 104 lawyers from 9 countries, 16 practice areas and 9 sector groups, is the largest India group of any international law firm located outside India.
Dhruv Chhatralia BEM, the Head of the DWF India Group, was named in the India Business Law Journal’s International A-List 2024 featuring the world’s top-tier international lawyers outside India, based on recommendations by general counsels and lawyers at Indian law firms, for his work on cross-border aspects of India-related matters. DWF was also shortlisted for the award of “Legal Practice of the Year” at the 6th Annual UK-India Awards in 2024 based on the achievements of the DWF India Group.
Find out more details about the DWF India Group.
While we do not practice Indian law as per the country’s current regulatory framework, we have strong relationships with leading Indian law firms with whom we collaborate to provide a seamless service to our clients. If you have queries on any of the issues covered in this article, please do get in touch.
