New Delhi, Oct. 9 -- The government is examining a proposal to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in an inventory-based model of e-commerce exclusively for export purposes, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, noting that the move could boost India's outbound shipments without affecting small retailers.

Currently, India's FDI policy permits foreign investment only in e-commerce firms operating through a marketplace model, not in those maintaining their own inventory.

"I liked that proposal, the department is examining it," Goyal told PTI, adding that if foreign e-commerce firms wish to hold inventory for exports, "we have no objection to that." He indicated that a formal clarification of existing rules may be sufficient ...