Bureaucracy
Official: India is digitizing government services through India Stack and Digital India
Reality: India's bureaucracy is simultaneously modernizing and deeply traditional. Online systems (e-Visa, FRRO, income tax filing) have improved significantly. However, many processes still require in-person visits, physical document submissions, and multiple stamps. FRRO registration is mandatory and can be a multi-day process. Getting a PAN card, opening a bank account, and obtaining a SIM card all involve document verification. The system is navigable but requires patience, local knowledge, and often a fixer. Hiring a local consultant or CA is not optional — it's essential.