What is the story about?
India has emerged as the second most preferred global investment destination after the United States, signalling growing confidence among global business leaders in the country’s economic resilience and long-term growth potential, even as the global outlook remains subdued, according to PwC’s 29th Annual Global CEO Survey—India perspective.
Nearly 13 per cent of global CEOs named India as a preferred destination for investment in 2026, almost doubling from 7 per cent in 2025, placing it alongside Germany and the UK. The United States remained the most favoured destination, with 35 per cent of CEOs ranking it at the top.
The survey, which gathered responses from 4,454 CEOs worldwide, including nearly 50 from India, highlights India’s growing appeal at a time when geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and technological disruption are weighing on global investment sentiment.
A striking 77 per cent of Indian CEOs expect stronger economic growth in the domestic market over the next year, significantly higher than the 55 per cent optimism recorded globally. Confidence in company performance is also robust, with 57 per cent of Indian CEOs expressing high confidence in near-term revenue growth—nearly double the global average.
“India’s emergence as a preferred investment destination reflects strong faith in its economic fundamentals, market scale, and long-term growth trajectory,” said Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC India. He added that while growth opportunities remain compelling, business leaders must also navigate rising cyber risks and rapid technological change.
Cybersecurity has emerged as a key priority, with 48 per cent of Indian CEOs planning to significantly strengthen enterprise-wide cyber defences as digital adoption accelerates. Technology disruption remains another major concern, with 66 per cent of Indian CEOs worried about keeping pace with advances in technology and artificial intelligence, compared with 42 per cent globally.
The survey also points to accelerating innovation-led diversification. About 57 per cent of Indian CEOs said their companies have entered at least one new sector over the past five years, up sharply from 39% last year and well above the global average.
Technology was identified as the most attractive sector for future expansion, followed by industrial manufacturing and aerospace and defence.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a strategic enabler, with companies that have scaled AI deployment already reporting gains in revenue and cost efficiency. However, PwC noted that many organisations remain in early stages of adoption, underscoring the need for stronger governance, talent development, and data readiness to unlock sustained value.
As global capital becomes more selective amid economic uncertainty, the survey suggests India’s combination of growth momentum, policy stability and expanding digital capabilities continues to position it as a key destination for investment in 2026 and beyond
Nearly 13 per cent of global CEOs named India as a preferred destination for investment in 2026, almost doubling from 7 per cent in 2025, placing it alongside Germany and the UK. The United States remained the most favoured destination, with 35 per cent of CEOs ranking it at the top.
The survey, which gathered responses from 4,454 CEOs worldwide, including nearly 50 from India, highlights India’s growing appeal at a time when geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and technological disruption are weighing on global investment sentiment.
A striking 77 per cent of Indian CEOs expect stronger economic growth in the domestic market over the next year, significantly higher than the 55 per cent optimism recorded globally. Confidence in company performance is also robust, with 57 per cent of Indian CEOs expressing high confidence in near-term revenue growth—nearly double the global average.
“India’s emergence as a preferred investment destination reflects strong faith in its economic fundamentals, market scale, and long-term growth trajectory,” said Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC India. He added that while growth opportunities remain compelling, business leaders must also navigate rising cyber risks and rapid technological change.
Cybersecurity has emerged as a key priority, with 48 per cent of Indian CEOs planning to significantly strengthen enterprise-wide cyber defences as digital adoption accelerates. Technology disruption remains another major concern, with 66 per cent of Indian CEOs worried about keeping pace with advances in technology and artificial intelligence, compared with 42 per cent globally.
The survey also points to accelerating innovation-led diversification. About 57 per cent of Indian CEOs said their companies have entered at least one new sector over the past five years, up sharply from 39% last year and well above the global average.
Technology was identified as the most attractive sector for future expansion, followed by industrial manufacturing and aerospace and defence.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a strategic enabler, with companies that have scaled AI deployment already reporting gains in revenue and cost efficiency. However, PwC noted that many organisations remain in early stages of adoption, underscoring the need for stronger governance, talent development, and data readiness to unlock sustained value.
As global capital becomes more selective amid economic uncertainty, the survey suggests India’s combination of growth momentum, policy stability and expanding digital capabilities continues to position it as a key destination for investment in 2026 and beyond
