Major Chaudhary: “Want to succeed in India? Invest in local relationships and value creation.”

India is becoming an increasingly important destination for Czech companies looking to expand internationally, build partnerships, or establish manufacturing and service operations abroad. To better understand the opportunities and challenges of the Indian market, we spoke with Major Guneet Chaudhary, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Northern India and Honorary Member of the Czech-Indian Chamber of Commerce (CZINCC).

Drawing on his experience in international law, diplomacy, and cross-border business cooperation, he shares his perspective on the future of Czech–Indian relations and offers practical advice for companies considering India as their next growth market.

What does becoming an Honorary Member of CZINCC mean to you, and how do you see your role within the Chamber?

Becoming an Honorary Member of the Czech-India Chamber of Commerce (CZINCC) is both an honour and a responsibility. It provides an opportunity to contribute to strengthening economic, industrial, and strategic cooperation between India and the Czech Republic. Through my experience and professional network, I aim to support the Chamber's mission by facilitating business partnerships, promoting dialogue between industry stakeholders, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in defence, manufacturing, technology, and innovation.

As the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Northern India, you have worked closely with Czech businesses and institutions for many years. How have Czech–Indian business relations evolved during that time?

Czech–Indian business relations have evolved from traditional industrial cooperation into a broad strategic partnership covering manufacturing, defence, automotive, infrastructure, healthcare, and advanced technologies. The relationship itself has deep roots. Czech brands such as Škoda and Jawa have been known in India for decades. In recent years, however, cooperation has accelerated significantly, driven by growing interest from Czech companies in India and from Indian companies in the Czech Republic. Today, we see increasing collaboration not only in trade, but also in investment, technology transfer, and long-term industrial partnerships.

 What opportunities do you currently see for Czech Companies in India?

India offers significant opportunities for Czech companies due to its strong economic growth, expanding manufacturing sector, and focus on technological advancement. Key sectors include defence and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, automotive, railways, renewable energy, infrastructure, healthcare technologies, and digital transformation. India should be viewed not only as a large market but also as a strategic manufacturing and export hub, offering long-term partnership opportunities through technology transfer, joint ventures, and innovation-driven collaboration.

What are the biggest misconceptions Czech Companies still have about doing business in India?

Many Czech companies still perceive India as a difficult and overly complex market. However, India's business environment has become significantly more transparent and efficient through regulatory reforms and digitalization.

Another misconception is viewing India solely as a low-cost manufacturing destination, whereas it is also a major centre for innovation, engineering talent, and industrial growth. Companies that understand India's strategic importance and build strong local partnerships are often surprised by the speed and scale of opportunities available.

What legal or regulatory issues do foreign companies most often underestimate when entering the Indian market?

Foreign companies frequently underestimate the importance of regulatory planning when entering India. Critical areas include foreign investment regulations, business structuring, taxation, GST compliance, customs duties, intellectual property protection, and sector-specific approvals. In strategic sectors such as defence and aerospace, understanding licensing and regulatory requirements is particularly important. Early engagement with experienced legal and tax advisors can significantly reduce risks and facilitate successful market entry.

In your experience, what separates companies that succeed in India from those that struggle to gain traction?

Companies that succeed in India typically adopt a long-term perspective, invest in local relationships, and adapt their strategies to the country's diverse business environment. Choosing the right local partners, demonstrating flexibility, and committing to value creation through technology transfer, local manufacturing, training, and after-sales support are key success factors. Conversely, companies that seek quick returns, underestimate market diversity, or fail to invest in local engagement often struggle to gain traction. Long-term commitment, patience, and partnership-driven growth remain the foundations of success in India.

What message would you like to share with members of CZINCC?

I would encourage greater interaction between Czech and Indian businesses, industry associations, and regional governments. CZINCC can play an important role by connecting companies, facilitating direct communication, and providing practical information that helps businesses make informed decisions.

I would also welcome stronger participation from Indian companies within the Chamber. The more we create opportunities for direct engagement between businesses on both sides, the stronger Czech–Indian cooperation will become.

The potential is enormous. The key is communication, trust, and long-term partnership.

About Major Guneet Chaudhary

Major Guneet Chaudhary (Retd.) is the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Northern India and Managing Partner of the international law firm Jurisconsultus.

With more than a decade of experience supporting Czech companies and institutions in India, he actively promotes Czech–Indian trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. In 2026, he became an Honorary Member of the Czech-Indian Chamber of Commerce (CZINCC), contributing his expertise and network to strengthening business relations between the two countries.