The combination is ideal. Small Business and regional tie-ups can provide a low cost entry into the Indian market. Most smaller International companies have hesitated from entering the Eastern markets leaving the early entry as the prerogative of large multinationals. It is also possible and relatively easy to directly employ Indian Managers to protect your own direct interest. You do not require oriental or ethnic skills to do business in India.
Street based realities are more critical when compared to market research data.
The ability to communicate and sell to the Indian market in the English language could mean that No prior Asian experience or additional selling tools should be required in India.