AMCHAM’s Western Region organized a closed-door roundtable on ‘What It’s Like Doing Business in India’ at the Mumbai office of KKR on February 5^th. The session brought together members representing a diverse range of sectors, including legal services, chemicals, consulting, pharmaceuticals, imports, and other industries. The session commenced with a warm welcome by Ms. Rakhi Sikka, Regional Director – Western Region, AMCHAM, followed by a candid and interactive discussion on the evolving business landscape in India. Mr. Henry McVeigh, Global Head – Macro, Balance Sheet and Risk, KKR, actively participated and shared his perspectives. Participants noted that over the past decade, many structural and operational challenges have been addressed, significantly improving the ease of doing business. India’s rapid digitization was highlighted as a major enabler, with members acknowledging that while the regulatory environment can be intensive, it has also become more streamlined and predictable in several areas. Members shared that multiple sectors—including healthcare, education, and manufacturing—have witnessed strong and sustained growth, with most industries experiencing positive momentum. Within the chemical sector, while certain concerns remain, participants emphasized that meaningful transformations are underway, particularly in terms of process improvements and regulatory alignment. It was also observed that R&D activities in India have evolved over the years, shifting from basic research to more value-added and innovation-driven work.

India’s access to cost-effective labour continues to be a competitive advantage, while specific segments such as medical technology and devices were highlighted as areas of strong capability and potential. Participants also underscored the increasing focus on skilling, noting that the government is cognizant of industry needs and broadly supportive of workforce development initiatives. Education, healthcare, and hospitality were identified as particularly attractive sectors for investment, while the technology sector was described as undergoing rapid change, with significant improvements in capability, infrastructure, and innovation. The session was highly interactive, with robust participation from all attendees, making it a rich exchange of practical insights, experiences, and forward-looking perspectives. Overall, the roundtable provided a deeper understanding of India’s evolving business environment. Representatives from Dun & Bradstreet, Eastman Chemicals, Ernst & Young, Forever Living Imports, J.S. Held KKR, Kroll, LawQuest International, Pfizer, and Visa, joined the session.