Foreign direct investment (FDI) involves foreign companies investing in domestic firms and acquiring over 51% equity. FDI provides benefits like new markets, technology, and jobs but can also harm local businesses. While FDI in India has advantages like economic growth and industrial development, it also poses risks and challenges like domestic market suffering and inflation. There is debate around the level of foreign ownership and impact on traditional retailers. Solutions proposed include less margins for local entrepreneurs, improving quality standards, and the government establishing a separate agency to design and implement FDI policy while supporting domestic industries.