Prior approval of Reserve Bank required for establishment of foreign branch, liaison or project offices in specified cases and sectors.

Prior approval of the Reserve Bank is required for non resident persons seeking to establish branch, liaison, project or other business offices in India in specified cases: applicants from Pakistan; offices proposed in Jammu and Kashmir, North East region or Andaman and Nicobar Islands; and applicants whose principal business is in defence, telecom, private security and information, or broadcasting, subject to exceptions where Government approval or licence exists. Foreign government entities require Reserve Bank approval except where activities fall under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, in which case FCRA registration suffices. Applications are forwarded by Authorised Dealer Category I banks to the Reserve Bank's Central Office Cell for consideration with the Government of India.

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