USA–India Desk

Indian counsel for US law firms, PE funds, and multinationals operating in India

The United States is India's largest trade and investment partner, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 190 billion in FY 2023–24 and US companies representing the single largest source of FDI approvals. US law firms and their clients routinely encounter Indian law issues — from cross-border M&A and FCPA investigations with an Indian dimension to enforcement of arbitral awards and commercial litigation in Indian courts. RevLaw's USA Desk is structured as a seamless co-counsel resource for US firms: we operate within your engagement model, adopt your reporting format, and function as your Indian practice group for the duration of the matter.

Bilateral Context

US-India bilateral investment is governed by the 2016 India-US TIFA (Trade and Investment Framework Agreement) and the existing BIT framework. The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) — which was suspended for India in 2019 — remains under discussion as part of the broader US-India trade agenda. FCPA enforcement in India has increased, with Indian intermediaries and government-adjacent transactions drawing scrutiny from the DOJ and SEC. US investors in India should be aware of India's FDI policy restrictions in sectors such as defence, multi-brand retail, and news media.

Typical Mandates

US PE/VC fund investment into Indian portfolio companies (SPA, SHA, FEMA compliance)

FCPA internal investigation support — Indian law analysis and document collection

Cross-border M&A: Indian due diligence and transaction structuring for US acquirers

Enforcement of US arbitral awards (ICDR/AAA) in India under the New York Convention

Indian subsidiary governance and Companies Act compliance for US-headquartered groups

Regulatory approvals for US companies entering India's banking, insurance, or defence sectors

Key Legal Frameworks

FDI Policy (DPIIT)

Governs US company investment into Indian entities — sectoral caps, automatic vs. government route.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

DOJ/SEC enforcement jurisdiction over US issuers and their Indian operations; RevLaw advises on Indian law aspects.

New York Convention 1958

India recognises US awards under the Convention; enforcement proceeds before the relevant High Court.

US-India Tax Treaty (DTAA)

Impacts structuring of US investment into India — dividend withholding, royalty rates, and PE characterisation.

Get in Touch with the USA–India Desk

Write to us or book a call to discuss your USA–India matter.

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