Global CEOs double down on India amid revival in demand

A dozen global CEOs from major corporations are renewing their bets on India, citing a sharp recovery in demand and stronger growth across product categories after months of slowdown.

Leaders from Apple, Coca‑Cola, Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Mondelez, Whirlpool, LG, Domino’s, AO Smith and FedEx see India as a central pillar in their global expansion strategies, according to a report by The Economic Times.

Apple CEO Tim Cook reported record revenue in India for the June quarter, driven by double-digit growth in iPhones, Macs and services.

He also announced plans to open four new Apple retail stores in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune and Noida by the end of the year, underscoring India’s importance as both a consumer market and a manufacturing base.

Reckitt Benckiser CEO Kris Licht said India had shown “really strong volume growth,” adding that the company was scaling up innovations tailored for Indian consumers.

Similar optimism was echoed by executives from other consumer goods companies, who highlighted India’s rapidly expanding middle class and improving infrastructure as key drivers of growth.

The renewed confidence follows a period of subdued sales caused by inflation and erratic weather, but multinational firms say signs of recovery became clear in the June quarter.

Data suggests that while consumer demand slowed earlier in the year, it is now rebounding, with fast-moving consumer goods and premium products leading the charge.

This aligns with findings from PwC’s 2025 CEO Survey, which ranked India among the top five global investment destinations, up from ninth place in 2023.

The survey cited rising domestic consumption, a young and skilled workforce, and ongoing business reforms as factors boosting CEO confidence.

For global companies, India’s strategic appeal goes beyond its 1.4 billion-strong population. Many are diversifying supply chains by expanding manufacturing in India, supported by government schemes like ‘Make in India’ and production-linked incentives.

Growing digital penetration, rapid adoption of online payments and large-scale infrastructure upgrades are further enhancing India’s position as a preferred market for long-term growth, as highlighted by NewsBytes.

While global uncertainties, regulatory complexities and supply chain disruptions remain potential risks, multinational leaders appear united in their view that India has moved from being an emerging market to an essential growth hub.

With companies deepening investments in retail, distribution and local manufacturing, India’s role in shaping corporate strategies is expected to expand significantly over the coming years.