The ICAI Singapore Chapter, in collaboration with the High Commission of India in Singapore and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s International Taxation Committee, recently hosted two major knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at helping businesses, investors and professionals better understand India’s evolving tax landscape and proposed Income Tax Code.
The twin events, held on June 12 and June 22, brought together policymakers, tax experts, investors, entrepreneurs, bankers and members of the Indian diaspora, underscoring growing interest in India’s ongoing tax reforms and their implications for cross-border investments.
The first session, conducted as a webinar on June 12, focused on developments surrounding India’s proposed Income Tax Code and the broader direction of tax reform initiatives.
The webinar featured a distinguished panel including India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule, India’s Commissioner of Income Tax Kalpana Singh and senior tax experts from KPMG India.
Opening the session, ICAI Singapore Chapter Chairperson Sanjay Gattani highlighted the importance of keeping overseas Indians and international investors informed about India’s rapidly changing regulatory environment.
He noted that India is currently undergoing a significant economic transformation driven by structural reforms, digitalisation and efforts to improve the ease of doing business.
According to Mr Gattani, tax certainty, transparency and simplification have become increasingly important factors influencing investment decisions and global capital flows.
He said the proposed Income Tax Code reflects India’s ambition to create a modern tax framework that is easier to understand, simpler to comply with and better aligned with international business practices.
He also emphasised the role chartered accountants play in helping businesses navigate regulatory changes and contribute to India’s economic growth.
Building on the strong response to the webinar, ICAI Singapore organised an exclusive in-person tax dialogue on June 22 in partnership with the High Commission of India and Suntera Singapore.
The event attracted a diverse audience that included tax professionals, family offices, entrepreneurs, investors, banking representatives and senior corporate executives from across Singapore.
Among the speakers were Mr Nishith Desai, founder of Nishith Desai Associates; Mr Sanyam Joshi, Economic Secretary at the High Commission of India in Singapore; M. Vishal Singh of Suntera Singapore; and several leading tax practitioners and advisers.
Addressing the participants, Mr Gattani highlighted the strengthening economic relationship between India and Singapore and stressed the need for continuous dialogue on regulatory developments affecting cross-border business and investments.
He observed that as India moves towards becoming one of the world’s largest economies, tax reforms that enhance predictability and reduce complexity will be crucial in attracting foreign investment and encouraging entrepreneurship.
A major highlight of the discussion was an in-depth examination of the landmark Tiger Global case, which has emerged as a significant reference point in international taxation and cross-border investment structuring.
Experts analysed the implications of the judgment for foreign investors, treaty interpretation and investment structures, offering practical insights for businesses operating across jurisdictions.
Speakers also noted that India’s tax administration has made significant progress in recent years through digitalisation, improved transparency and the adoption of a more taxpayer-centric approach.
Particular attention was given to the proposed Income Tax Code, which seeks to simplify tax laws, remove redundancies and make provisions more concise and user-friendly.
Participants discussed India’s growing appeal as a global investment destination, supported by regulatory reforms, stronger dispute-resolution mechanisms, digital tax administration and policy stability.
The two events were widely appreciated for providing timely insights into one of India’s most significant tax reform initiatives in recent years.
They also reinforced ICAI Singapore’s position as a leading professional platform connecting policymakers, industry experts and the business community, while helping strengthen economic and professional ties between India and Singapore.
Under the leadership of Mr Gattani, the chapter continues to champion initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing, professional development and deeper India-ASEAN economic engagement in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
