As General Counsel of a large, global, Indian-headquartered enterprise, the evolving geopolitical landscape has in recent years clearly reshaped our company’s risk profile. The increasing complexity of international free trade, coupled with dynamic regulatory regimes, has required a proactive and strategic approach to trade compliance.

Trade compliance has traditionally been a core focus for highly regulated industries and embedded within their operational processes, often driven by United States regulations owing to the origin of technology and intellectual property. Indian companies have historically aligned with client policies, relying on U.S.-qualified legal and trade experts. However, as Indian enterprises globalise, they are increasingly directly subject to the laws of every jurisdiction in which they operate.

The rise of multipolarity, global data flows, and fragmented supply chains has created a trade environment that is both intricate and volatile. Compliance now frequently goes beyond individual regulations, requiring assessment and advice on conflicting national policies and the anticipation of unforeseen changes in the future.

To address these challenges, we have strengthened our trade compliance measures in several ways. We have instituted a robust Trade Compliance Policy that clearly affirms our commitment to adhere to sanctions and export control laws across all applicable jurisdictions. This policy is not merely a statement of intent; it is embedded in operational processes and reviewed regularly to reflect regulatory developments. Recognising that trade compliance is a specialised domain, we have prioritised leadership education and functional training. Key teams involved in the movement of goods, services, and software are equipped to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and exercise sound judgment in instances where laws may conflict.

Compliance has been integrated operationally into our enterprise risk framework, ensuring that trade risks are assessed alongside financial, legal, and reputational risks. Ownership is clearly defined across business units, and escalation protocols are in place for timely resolution, with our Trade Compliance Manager playing a pivotal role in advising, escalating, investigating, and resolving issues. We are also investing in technology to automate compliance checks, streamline due diligence, and enhance visibility across global operations.

Trade compliance is now embedded within the broader enterprise risk framework. We conduct stress testing, maintain unified risk trackers, and align our compliance posture with geopolitical developments, including sanctions, tariffs, and outbound investment controls. This shift has transformed trade compliance from a reactive function into a strategic enabler of global operations. Our legal and compliance teams are deeply engaged in ensuring that the business remains resilient, agile, and ethically grounded in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.