Foreign direct investment (FDI) involves establishing business operations or acquiring assets in another country. FDI benefits developing countries like India by providing long-term capital and advanced technologies. It allows access to new markets and resources while potentially reducing production costs. However, FDI also carries risks like hindering domestic investment, political instability, exchange rate impacts, and higher costs of establishing foreign operations. In India, FDI in private banks is permitted up to 74% ownership while it is limited to 20% in public sector banks.