India's retail industry was revolutionised by government reforms last September which allowed foreign firms for the first time to own a controlling stake in retail operations. Previously they had been confined to the wholesale market. The decision was contentious and remains a hotly contested issue today in both political and economic spheres. Foreign investors and pro-reform Indian companies, however, hailed the move as a groundbreaking development that would stimulate foreign investment in the industry and usher in new levels of international expertise. Ipsos Business Consulting's Research Note discusses the impact of FDI on the retail segment of the agribusiness and food industry in India.