RBI’s Mumbai Office: Supporting Europe–India Growth Through Local Expertise

India is firmly establishing itself as one of the most important growth engines of the global economy. As the world’s fourth-largest economy and a key hub for global supply chains, the country has become central to European and Central and Eastern European (CEE) corporates expanding their international footprint.

Against this backdrop, Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) has further strengthened its presence in India, relocating to a new office in Colaba, South Mumbai, closer to the business community. We spoke with senior local hire Rajeshree Balsari, the new Chief Representative South Asia.

RBI has had a long-standing presence in India since 1992 through its Representative Office, covering South Asian markets. As EU–India business continues to grow – driven by rising European investments and exports, both are set to accelerate by the recent the EU–India Free Trade Agreement – India has become increasingly important for RBI’s clients. At the same time, global supply chain diversification, including “China +1” strategy –(where companies keep China operations but add countries like India to reduce risk, diversify manufacturing, and boost supply chain resilience) and recent US tariff measures, have further positioned India as a preferred destination for manufacturing, sourcing and investment.

In response, RBI has expanded its local coverage beyond institutional clients to also support global corporates. Clients benefit from assistance across areas such as export credit agency (ECA)-backed financing, partner bank support including local financing and account opening, as well as trade finance, FX and remittance solutions. This strengthened presence allows RBI to better support cross-border activities and facilitate India–Europe flows.

The combined EU–India market is estimated at over nominal GDP of  USD 24 trillion (2024–25). Bilateral merchandise trade between the EU and India has shown substantial growth, reaching approximately USD 136.54 billion (2024–25), while cumulative EU foreign direct investment in India since April 2000 (20-25 years) exceeds USD 110 billion.

These figures underline India’s strategic importance for European and CEE corporates. The growing volume of ECA-backed financing in infrastructure, energy and industrial projects is a concrete example of how RBI can support European exporters and investors active in India.

The RBI Representative Office in India acts purely in a liaison and support capacity, serving as a local bridge by providing market intelligence, regulatory updates, and facilitating connections with local banks, industries and authorities. For RBI clients, it supports cross-border activities by enabling trade finance, facilitating ECA-backed funding transactions, coordinating compliance (including KYC/AML), and assisting with market entry and expansion through consultants and local bank partners, ensuring smooth operations between home and host markets.

Key focus areas currently include:

• European exports to India (approximately USD 55–60 billion in 2024–25), particularly in manufacturing and capital goods
• Indian outbound investments into Western Europe and the CEE region
• Financial institutions partnerships and structured financing in infrastructure and industrial sectors
• Trade finance along the Europe–India corridor
• FX and remittance solutions

A close local presence enables RBI to engage more directly with corporates and banks in India that work with Austria and CEE markets, while also supporting Austrian and CEE clients operating or expanding in India.

For example, when an Austrian company sets up a subsidiary in a culturally foreign market like India, the RBI Representative Office can support the process through local market knowledge, introductions to relevant contacts, and facilitation of access to partner banks for account opening or potential local financing solutions.

Austrian and CEE clients can expect proactive, on-the-ground engagement from RBI’s Representative Office in India and across South Asia. This includes strong local market expertise, access to the office’s network, and support in navigating the Indian marketplace, including coordination with partner banks. This is particularly relevant for companies establishing a legal entity or expanding their operations in India.

India’s growth potential is underpinned by:

• continued manufacturing and supply chain diversification
• favorable demographics and a skilled workforce 
• ongoing policy reforms and infrastructure investment, including in renewable energy
• expansion in automotive, industrial, digital and consumer sectors

Rising EU–India trade and investment flows further reinforce India’s role as a key strategic market.