China-linked FDI approvals fall to ₹1 crore in FY26 as India eases minority-shareholding rules

Chinese FDI approvals dropped from ₹28.72 crore in FY25 to ₹1 crore in FY26 under Press Note 3 scrutiny. India has since allowed Chinese or Hong Kong shareholding of up to 10% through the automatic route where no control is involved, a potential capital-access opening for consumer and retail businesses.

— Source publishedSun, 2 Aug, 2026, 18:20 IST·First seen Sun, 2 Aug, 2026, 18:24 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

Government of India · Chinese FDI approvals in India fell to Rs 1 crore in FY26 under Press Note 3 scrutiny. Recent easing permits up to 10% Chinese or Hong

Key facts

  • Chinese FDI approval: Rs 1 crore ($0.11 million) in FY26
  • 63 government-route proposals worth Rs 10,292 crore ($1.17 billion) approved in FY26
  • Chinese FDI approval: Rs 28.72 crore ($3.44 million) in FY25
  • 82 government-route proposals worth Rs 39,758 crore ($4.72 billion) in FY25
  • 13 Hong Kong proposals worth Rs 610 crore approved in FY26
  • Chinese/Hong Kong shareholding up to 10% can use automatic route if there is no control
  • FY26 total FDI equity inflows: $58.8 billion

Why this matters

Structure minority fundraising, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships to keep Chinese or Hong Kong ownership at or below 10% without control rights if seeking the automatic route.