A director is an individual appointed at the time of incorporation of a company or by its board to manage both its strategic activities and day-to-day operations.
A director must fulfill the roles and responsibilities assigned to them by the board from time to time.
Any individual, regardless of nationality (except those belonging to certain countries) and in possession of DIN can be appointed as a director. While most foreign nationals (there are exceptions) are eligible to be appointed as directors, to become a managing director or full-time director, they must qualify as a resident (living in India for at least 12 months prior to appointment).
Often, investors (VCs, PEs) appoint a representative or nominee on the board of investee companies.