EXPORT ACADEMY INDIA

04. November 2026 09:00 - 16:00 ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark, Lindweg 33 | 8010 Graz

As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India offers enormous market opportunities, but it also presents Styrian companies with legal, bureaucratic, and cultural challenges when entering the market. As part of this Export Academy, you will receive practical, first-hand knowledge as well as in-depth insights into economic conditions, customs procedures, and sales structures. You will also benefit from the experience of successful market participants to align your export strategy in a targeted manner and build your India export business sustainably.

Programme highlights & your benefits:
  • Market overview and economic trends: Gain a clear picture of current potential, sector opportunities, and economic developments in India.
  • Legal and tax framework: Deepen your understanding of contracts, customs duties, tax law, and bureaucratic processes to avoid pitfalls in import and export.
  • Practical experience reports: Learn from the best practices and strategies of established companies doing business in India.
  • Intercultural negotiation and business understanding: Develop a keen sense for cultural specifics in negotiations and relationship-building.
  • Networking and professional exchange: Exchange ideas directly with experts and other Styrian exporters.
Target group:
  • Styrian companies with an interest in the Indian market
  • Export managers as well as sales and business development managers
  • Executives planning market entry or the expansion of their activities in India

The experts

With more than 17 years of experience in management consulting and advisory services, Ankur Munjal leads Dezan Shira & Associates’ operations in India. As a qualified chartered accountant, he advises multinational corporations and global companies on investments, corporate structuring, market entry, tax, risk management, and the practical establishment and expansion of branches in India.

Ankur Munjal, Country Director, India | Dezan Shira & Associates

Naina Bhardwaj is based in New Delhi and leads the “International Business Advisory” practice in India. As a qualified lawyer with more than a decade of experience in legal advisory, public policy, and international business consulting, she supports international companies with market entry strategies, navigating regulatory challenges, corporate structuring, tax considerations, and establishing branches in India.

Naina Bhardwaj, Associate Director, International Business Advisory | Dezan Shira & Associates

The programme

9:00 AM

Welcome, introductions & objectives for the day

ICS & Dezan Shira & Associates & brief introduction of participants and their India plans

What specific question should be answered for your company by the end of the day?

9:20 AM

PART 1: Doing Business in India – from market entry to a scalable presence

Ankur Munjal & Naina Bhardwaj | Dezan Shira & Associates

India Business Landscape 2026/27 · regional differences & site selection · market entry models (distribution partner, JV, own company) · FDI & corporate structuring · taxes/GST, customs & product compliance · HR & labour compliance · partner due diligence, contracts & typical pitfalls · EU–India FTA: current status and possible impacts. Incl. coffee break.

12:15 PM

Lunch break

1:00 PM

PART 2: Hands-on India Market Entry & Expansion Lab

Ankur Munjal & Naina Bhardwaj | Dezan Shira & Associates

Work on your own company case using the India Entry/Expansion Canvas. Track A “Market Entry”: target market, location, go-to-market, partner vs. own presence. Track B “Scale-up”: optimize existing structure, compliance, supply chain, and growth. Followed by case clinics, expert sparring, and prioritization of the next steps. Incl. coffee break.

3:35–4:00 PM

Wrap-up: action plan & takeaways

Ankur Munjal & Naina Bhardwaj | Dezan Shira & Associates

Concrete next steps per company, open questions, and references to further support services.

Good to know

The Export Academy is aimed at Styrian companies that are preparing to enter the Indian market or would like to expand or optimize their existing presence in India.

To ensure that the hands-on part can focus as specifically as possible on individual cases, the number of participants is limited (max. 12 people). When registering, we ask you to provide a short company profile as well as two to three specific questions or challenges related to your India export business. These will be incorporated into the workshop preparation.

DiGEM is co-financed through the SFG Styrian Business Promotion Agency with funds from the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRE). For more information on the IBW/ERDF & JTF program, please visit www.efre.gv.at

Do You Have Any Questions?

Our expert at ICS will be happy to reliably assist you with all questions regarding this event.