<h1>Regulator proposes draft rules replacing 2016 branch and liaison office rules with relaxed eligibility, principle-based approach</h1> A central regulator has issued draft regulations replacing 2016 rules on establishment of branch, liaison, project or other business places in India, proposing relaxed eligibility criteria, a shift from prescriptive to principle-based regulation to grant greater operational freedom, and simplified procedures for closure of non-compliant or inactive offices. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback through the regulator's online consultation portal or by email by October 24, 2025, using the specified subject line for responses.