India Inc. 2025: A Confident Outlook Despite Inflation and Global Risks

03 February 2025 / Report

As India advances toward its ambitious “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision, which aims to transform India into a developed economy by its centennial year of independence, its corporate leadership must balance the drive for economic growth with a growing commitment to sustainability, human rights, and digital transformation. This report, based on the C-Suite Outlook 2025 survey of 1,722 C-Suite executives and board members, including 508 CEOs globally, focuses on the responses of 108 C-Suite executives in India to gauge their outlook on the factors they anticipate will significantly impact their businesses in 2025.

Key Insights

India is poised to sustain its robust growth trajectory in 2025, with a projected 6.8% economic expansion, an estimate echoed by Indian businesses. While technological advancements and digital transformation are fueling this optimism, concerns about inflation and the repercussions of geopolitical risks temper the outlook.
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds the promise of revolutionizing industries and boosting productivity, but it also presents significant challenges. Successful AI deployment necessitates a skilled workforce and robust ethical frameworks. Indian executives recognize upskilling as both a critical challenge and a vital opportunity, understanding that investing in workforce development is essential.
As Indian executives navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity emerges as a paramount concern. With the growing integration of AI and other advanced technologies into business operations, organizations are prioritizing the development of robust cybersecurity frameworks. This proactive approach is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of India’s digital economy and safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
Geopolitical risks, including energy price volatility and supply chain disruptions, pose significant challenges to India’s growth trajectory. Indian C-Suite executives recognize the critical need to proactively address these risks. Robust risk management strategies, coupled with the development of resilient and diversified supply chains, are essential for navigating this complex landscape and ensuring continued growth.
Recognizing the escalating risks posed by climate change, including frequent heat waves, Indian companies are proactively integrating climate resilience and sustainability initiatives into their core business strategies. This proactive approach extends beyond mitigating physical risks to encompass social workplace issues and address broader environmental, social & governance (ESG) concerns. For example, Indian C-Suite executives see their organization’s investment in the energy transition as a key priority.