Apr 6, 2026
Shray sits down with Deepak Shenoy from Capitalmind to unpack
the real playbook for NRIs thinking about investing in India — the
taxes, the paperwork, the returns, and the traps nobody warns you
about.
What we uncover:
The 3 types of NRIs who should invest in India — and the ones who
absolutely shouldn't. Why patriotism and FOMO are the worst
investment strategies.
The real return math: 12% in rupees, ~8% in dollars after currency
depreciation — and why falling inflation could change this equation
entirely.
Stocks vs. mutual funds vs. real estate: Why your passport decides
your investment vehicle. UAE and Singapore NRIs get tax-free mutual
fund gains; US and UK residents face PFIC nightmares.
The paperwork horror: Why 5% of your portfolio in India creates
more admin than the other 95% abroad — and why Deepak respects any
NRI who's actually opened a Demat account.
The "famous stocks" trap: Why buying Indigo, Swiggy, or Jubilant
from abroad without local context is a recipe for pain. Great
brands ≠ great investments.
Moving back math: ₹2L/month puts you in India's top 1%. $500K in
fixed income could fund your entire re-entry. And why you still
shouldn't bring everything back.
Deepak breaks down the Doordash minimum wage vs. Indian purchasing
power, why small caps hold India's real growth story, and why NRI
investing success is measured in rupees — not dollars.
Chapters:
0:00 - Not every NRI should invest in India
1:36 - Who is this conversation really for?
3:54 - The 3 types of people who SHOULD invest in India
6:34 - You have family & money sitting idle in India
7:19 - You know you're coming back someday
11:44 - The worst reason to invest in India
18:16 - Stocks, mutual funds, real estate — where to put your
money?
22:07 - Your 12% return is actually 8% (here's why)
29:43 - Is Indian real estate worth it for NRIs?
36:57 - The paperwork nightmare no one warns you about
37:26 - Where you live changes everything
38:09 - UAE & Singapore NRIs — this is your tax cheat code
40:07 - Why US & UK NRIs should avoid Indian mutual funds
45:25 - Why buying Indian stocks from abroad is risky
51:44 - Great company. Terrible investment. Here's the
difference
1:03:15 - Should you move more money to India as you plan to
return?
1:09:26 - What does winning actually look like?
1:16:29 - Invest with your head, not your passport