Source: ET
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has begun consultations with banks to review and simplify overseas investment rules, following industry concerns over procedural hurdles and regulatory ambiguities.
What Is the Development?
- RBI held discussions with major private and multinational banks.
- Objective → streamline the overseas investment (OI) framework.
- Aim → Reduce compliance burden and clarify regulatory provisions.
This has raised expectations of policy changes to facilitate outbound investment by Indian entities and individuals.
Current Overseas Investment Framework
Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) Limits
An Indian company can invest abroad up to:
- 4 times its net worth, or
- $1 billion (whichever is lower)
What is Overseas Investment (OI) Framework
The Overseas Investment (OI) framework is India’s regulatory system that governs how Indian residents, companies, and financial institutions invest abroad.
It lays down:
- Who can invest overseas
- How much they can invest
- In which sectors they can invest
- Reporting and compliance requirements
The framework ensures orderly capital outflows while safeguarding financial stability.
Legal and Regulatory Basis
The OI framework operates under:
- Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
- Overseas Investment Rules and Regulations (latest major overhaul in 2022)
- Administered by:
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) → implementation and reporting
- Central Government → policy decisions (especially non-debt investments)
Main Types of Overseas Investment
1. Overseas Direct Investment (ODI)
Long-term investment where the investor has control or significant influence in a foreign entity.
Examples:
- Setting up a foreign subsidiary
- Acquiring shares in an overseas company
- Joint ventures abroad
Typical corporate ODI limit:
- Up to 4 times net worth or $1 billion, whichever is lower (general rule, subject to conditions).
2. Overseas Portfolio Investment (OPI)
Passive investment without control.
Examples:
- Buying foreign stocks
- Investing in foreign bonds
- Investment through mutual funds or ETFs
