From the early 1990s, the Indian economy has surged forward, boosted by a wide-ranging and intensive economic liberalization programme, aimed at making it not only efficient but also globally competitive. This programme involved the elimination of barriers to foreign trade and foreign investment, an intensive infrastructure upgrading programme, and a systematic attempt to adjust the Indian economy to the demands of globalisation

The IMF and the World Bank have both rated India as being the 4th largest in the world (in PPP terms), after those of the US, China and Japan, and followed by those of Germany and France.

It is the people who make a country. And Indians are excelling in every sector quietly. Business wise India is doing fine. India’s strength comes from educated middleclass and hardworking rural sector. A new middleclass India is emerging just like their counterparts in the rest of the world. But it is a middle class of more than 200 million people, with buying power equal to the middle class of the West; India is an export market for the Dutch exporters.

India looks forward to strengthening and expanding its ties with the Netherlands, both in the trade and investment sectors as also that of technical cooperation.

While doing business with India one has to keep a few things in mind. Many people are aware that it is helpful to understand Chinese culture when doing business with China. Same is the case with India. India is a land rich with tradition. As the country's economy opens up, more and more Dutch companies are seeking out business opportunities there - and as with any foreign country, it is important to have some knowledge of the Indian history, society, culture & tradition, social customs, the do's & don'ts, government rules and regulations, the role of the central and provincial government, export-import possibilities, the trade unions, availability of qualified personals, infrastructure etc. etc. Doing business in India requires thorough homework before you board a plane for the subcontinent.

In the Netherlands there are several organisations and institutions, which can furnish the necessary information or act as a "go-between".

The information of a few such organisations is mentioned in this chapter.