<h1>FDI in multi brand retail trading permitted subject to State consent, local zoning, backend infrastructure investment and procurement safeguards.</h1> Permitting foreign direct investment in multi brand retail trading allows establishment of retail outlets only with State consent and in compliance with State laws and local zoning; outlets are limited to major urban agglomerations or designated principal cities. A mandated portion of FDI must be invested in back end infrastructure-defined to include processing, manufacturing, distribution, quality control, packaging, logistics and storage-within a fixed timeframe, excluding land costs and rentals. A high level group under the Minister of Consumer Affairs will examine internal trade and recommend reforms.