New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – The government revealed on Tuesday that 339 foreign companies have been registered in India over the past five years. However, the trend has shown a decline since 2020, with fewer firms registering in recent years.
Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, presented the data in the Rajya Sabha, showing that only five foreign companies were registered in 2024 so far. Of these, one each were established in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala, and two in Tamil Nadu.
The Companies Act, 2013, defines a foreign company under Section 2 (42) as any company or body corporate incorporated outside India, but having a place of business in India—whether directly or through an agent—either physically or electronically. These entities are typically set up with foreign capital.
The registration figures illustrate a noticeable drop over the years. In 2020, 90 foreign companies were established, followed by 75 in 2021 and 64 in 2022. The numbers continued to fall, with 57 companies registered in 2023 and only 53 in 2024 so far.
When asked about foreign companies or entities operating online in India without proper registration, Malhotra clarified that no such data had been found in the MCA21 registry.
This decline in registrations raises questions about the factors influencing foreign investments and operations in India.
Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, presented the data in the Rajya Sabha, showing that only five foreign companies were registered in 2024 so far. Of these, one each were established in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala, and two in Tamil Nadu.
The Companies Act, 2013, defines a foreign company under Section 2 (42) as any company or body corporate incorporated outside India, but having a place of business in India—whether directly or through an agent—either physically or electronically. These entities are typically set up with foreign capital.
The registration figures illustrate a noticeable drop over the years. In 2020, 90 foreign companies were established, followed by 75 in 2021 and 64 in 2022. The numbers continued to fall, with 57 companies registered in 2023 and only 53 in 2024 so far.
When asked about foreign companies or entities operating online in India without proper registration, Malhotra clarified that no such data had been found in the MCA21 registry.
This decline in registrations raises questions about the factors influencing foreign investments and operations in India.
