MAM
Enterprise Ireland promotes Abhinav Bhatia as its new director- India & south Asia
MUMBAI: Enterprise Ireland, an Irish government organization that is responsible for venture capital investments and export development for Irish enterprises in world markets, today announced the promotion of Abhinav Bhatia as its new director for the Indian & South Asian region.
The new director formerly acted as the Vice President supporting companies in ICT and FinTech domain to help them expand into India and South Asia markets. To make a note, Bhatia is also the first Indian to hold this position.
He will commence his new role from Enterprise Ireland’s India HQ at Mumbai’s BKC starting today. Having mentored numerous foreign companies on their internalization strategy and active engagement within the innovation ecosystem, he brings in rich experience and domain expertise to a very dynamic India team. Mr. Bhatia will be responsible for managing Irish companies’ entry and expansion into the Indian market within a diverse range of sectors like education, life sciences, IT, FinTech, etc.
‘I am thrilled to lead the Enterprise Ireland India team at such an important time when the world is changing the way of doing business. Now as Irish companies look to diversify and find new opportunities beyond its boundaries, India is a natural partner and it provides immense growth potential,’ says Abhinav Bhatia, director – India & South Asia on his promotion.
Bhatia also possesses a great deal of experience with several foreign governments, corporates, and non-profits. With this background he will be able to provide market intelligence, strategic advice and access to Irish companies interested in the South Asian markets. “There are about 100 Irish companies active in India and my aim remains to grow that number and further strengthen the relationship between Ireland and India,” he adds.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
