I am asked from trek company to make the payment from Indian friend. Is this potentially dangerous?

As title suggests. I was about to do a trek with a company, but I got asked to make the transfer through a friend in India (to make sure the transfer does not get lost inbetween or so). I also asked for the invoice. Could that be a scam?

The company is not among the biggest but it is privately registered company appearing in zaubacorp.

The payment offer was given to me in Whatsapp.

My plan: I will initiate moving the conversation to mail and explaining I do not have a connection in India.