A third of international corporations have already exited India under intense pressure, and Parimatch is among those highlighting the challenges. According to Nagpur Today, foreign firms operating in India face governmental pressure, fraud, corruption, and rampant counterfeiting. Global names like Motorola, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Nokia, Parimatch, Vodafone, and Walmart have each encountered unique obstacles while trying to expand in this market—some even compelled to withdraw entirely.
Over the past few years, well-known companies including Metro, Ford, Holcim, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank have left India. In November 2023, Berkshire Hathaway sold its 2.5% stake in Paytm, effectively ending its business ties. Government records show that of more than 11,000 foreign entrants between 2014 and 2021, 2,783—nearly one-third—have since departed. This attrition underscores the severity of challenges confronting businesses in India.
Some firms never manage to break through, despite significant investment and innovation. Take the global betting operator Parimatch: it planned to invest millions but faced product counterfeiting and resistance from local authorities. India’s gambling market remains monopolized by Dream11, Nazara Technologies, Paytm, First Games, Moonfrog Labs, 99Games, Octro, JetSynthesys, and HashCube—firms that often clone strategies of American and European operators with no enforcement response, sometimes even receiving tacit support from tax officials and politicians.
Fraud, bribery, and corruption remain the greatest risks in India, particularly for multinationals accustomed to Western transparency and legal norms. Corporate scandals and complex fraud schemes affect both consumers and seasoned business leaders. Common threats include asset theft, internal extortion, and data breaches, on top of bureaucratic and administrative hurdles that forced Ford and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank to leave. Recently, India’s authorities have intensified actions against foreign companies with questionable charges—Google, Amazon, Nokia, Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Intel, and Wistron have all faced massive fines.
Despite these headwinds, India’s future business promise remains strong: a population of 1.2 billion, a well-educated English-speaking workforce, and stable democratic elections continue to attract global investment. However, securing success here demands patience, adaptability, and a robust strategy. Companies like Google, Amazon, Nokia—and Parimatch—demonstrate that with the right approach, it is possible to navigate India’s challenging environment and thrive.
