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RBI’s Revised ECB Framework: End-Use, Reporting and Compliance Risks
Introduction In Part 1 of this series, we discussed who can borrow and who can lend under the revised ECB framework. In Part 2, we examined how much Indian businesses can borrow, the applicable maturity requirements and the cost of borrowing. In this final part, we examine the most practical question in any ECB transaction: What can the borrower actually use the ECB funds for? This is where many ECB transactions become sensitive. A borrower may be eligible. The lender may be
Jayasimha Pasumarti
May 288 min read


RBI’s Revised ECB Framework: Borrowing Limits, Maturity and Cost of Borrowing
Introduction In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how the revised ECB framework has widened the entry gate for Indian businesses by expanding the eligible borrower base and broadening the recognised lender framework. However, eligibility is only the first step. Once an Indian entity is eligible to raise External Commercial Borrowings, the next set of questions becomes equally important: How much can the entity borrow? For what period can it borrow? At what cost can it borro
Jayasimha Pasumarti
May 258 min read


RBI’s Revised ECB Framework: What Has Changed for Indian Businesses? — Part 1
External Commercial Borrowings, commonly known as ECBs, have always been an important route for Indian businesses to access foreign debt capital. For companies looking at expansion, manufacturing capacity, offshore acquisitions, infrastructure development, refinancing or group-level funding, ECBs can provide access to a wider lender base and, in some cases, more competitive financing. However, ECBs are not ordinary loans. They are regulated foreign borrowings governed by the
Jayasimha Pasumarti
May 195 min read


Understanding FEMA: Navigating Strict Liability in Corporate Governance
The Importance of Compliance in Foreign Exchange Regulations In criminal law, the golden rule is Actus non facit reum nisi mens rea sit rea—the act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is also guilty. But does this protection extend to the boardroom when dealing with foreign exchange violations? The answer, as analyzed in our latest deep-dive, is a resounding No. The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), as an economic statute, operates on the principle of st
Jayasimha Pasumarti
Apr 65 min read
The "Non-Cash" Trap — Why Corporate Equity-for-Exports is a Regulatory Minefield which warrants cost-benefit analysis
In the global services landscape, Indian companies are frequently offered equity stakes by foreign clients in lieu of cash fees. While this sounds like a strategic path to global expansion, for an Indian Private Limited company, it creates a "compliance knot" that spans FEMA, GST, and Income Tax. Let’s examine the case of ABC Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (ATS) , an Indian software firm, to understand why these deals often collapse under regulatory weight. The Scenario: The Eq
Jayasimha Pasumarti
Apr 13 min read
FEMA and Virtual Assets: Regulatory Clarity for Cross-Border Crypto Transactions
As India’s digital economy surges, virtual digital assets (VDAs) like cryptocurrencies have gained significant traction. However, their...
Jayasimha Pasumarti
Sep 7, 20255 min read


The Unspoken Rule of FEMA: A Judgment That Puts Actions First - Is the 182 day rule, a deciding factor for residency?
A recent judgment by the Appellate Tribunal SAFEMA, New Delhi, in the case of Pradeep Mishra v. Special Director, Directorate of...
Jayasimha Pasumarti
Sep 7, 20254 min read
The Silent Hurdle: Are Indian SaaS Startups Truly FEMA-Compliant?
A Critical Look Beyond Product-Market Fit in the Global Tech Race Indian SaaS companies are globally recognised powerhouses, disrupting...
Jayasimha Pasumarti
Aug 1, 20254 min read
India's NDI Rules Amendment: Unlocking Bonus Share Issuances for Foreign Investors in Restricted Sectors
The landscape of foreign investment in India continues to evolve, and the latest amendment to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt...
Jayasimha Pasumarti
Jun 18, 20254 min read
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