How Sameer Mahandru Views India’s Role in the New Era of Global Trade?

A Global Trade Shift in Motion

In the wake of pandemic disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and changing global priorities, international trade is experiencing a major realignment. For rising economies like India, this shift could mark a defining moment. As companies diversify manufacturing beyond China, India stands to gain in visibility, production, and exports.

Among those closely observing this change is Sameer Mahandru, a seasoned Indian entrepreneur and founder of Indobevs, a rising player in the Indian alco-beverage industry. His insights offer a grounded perspective on how Indian businesses, especially MSMEs, can tap into global opportunities.

Understanding the Global Trade Realignment

The China+1 Strategy and India’s Advantage

Major multinational firms are actively adopting a “China+1” strategy, aiming to shift part of their manufacturing to other Asian economies. This opens up new possibilities for India to become a central player in global supply chains.

Thanks to its vast workforce, competitive production costs, and improving ease of doing business, India is rapidly emerging as a viable alternative.

India’s Trade Policies and FTAs

The Indian government is also stepping up its efforts through:

• Strategic Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

• Investment in industrial corridors and infrastructure

• Encouraging export-ready Indian brands

Entrepreneurs like Sameer Mahandru believe this is a key moment for India’s MSME sector, as it gives them a unique chance to scale beyond domestic boundaries.

Sameer Mahandru’s Perspective on the Opportunity

Vision from a New-Age Indian Business Leader

Sameer Mahandru, who leads Indobevs, has long advocated for responsible business practices in regulated industries. With a strong grasp of compliance, branding, and innovation, he believes that Indian businesses, especially in sectors such as alcoholic beverages, packaging, and FMCG, are well-positioned for global exposure.

He emphasizes that India must prioritize quality, traceability, and ethical manufacturing to meet international standards. In his words:

“The world is opening up to India. But only those companies that align with global standards will truly benefit.”

Why MSMEs in India Are Key Players

India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for a large chunk of GDP and exports. However, most remain under-prepared for global trade.

Common Roadblocks Include:

• Lack of access to global trade finance

• Limited digital infrastructure

• Inconsistent regulatory understanding

• Weak brand recognition overseas

Entrepreneurs like Sameer Mahandru advocate for better policy support, digital upskilling, and collaborative platforms to help MSMEs in India transition from local players to global contenders.

Innovation & Compliance: A New Playbook

Going Beyond Cost Advantage

Mahandru emphasizes that innovation should go beyond product development. Indian companies must invest in:

• Tech-driven logistics

• Sustainable packaging

• Digital-first operations

• Export compliance standards

Digital Expansion Matters

With cross-border e-commerce and online distribution becoming the norm, Indian brands must build a strong digital presence. From certifications to storytelling, going global means thinking digital from day one.

India’s Challenges on the Road to Global Trade

While the opportunity is clear, India must still address key hurdles:

• High logistics costs

• Policy inconsistencies at the state level

• Gaps in workforce readiness for export processes

Mahandru warns that if these aren’t addressed swiftly, India’s trade moment might remain underutilized.

India’s Trade Shift Needs Entrepreneurial Readiness

India’s moment in global trade is here. The country is better positioned than ever before to attract manufacturing, build exports, and reshape its global business identity.

But this will only materialize if Indian entrepreneurs rise to the occasion by being compliant, digitally savvy, and globally minded.

Business leaders like Sameer Mahandru are already thinking in this direction. His perspective, grounded in real-world experience, offers a roadmap for others looking to scale responsibly in the global marketplace.

If India wants to lead this next wave of global trade, it will need more leaders who combine vision with execution, and that’s where the real opportunity lies.