Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Indian CEOs Optimistic Amid Global Uncertainty
A big survey of over 4,000 bosses from different countries found that Indian bosses are much more hopeful about their companies making more money and the country's economy growing compared to their global friends.
While only half of the bosses worldwide expect growth, a huge 77% of Indian bosses think their country will do well, and 57% are very sure their companies will make more money soon.
This is almost double the number of global bosses who feel the same.
The survey also showed that India is now the second-best place for global bosses to invest, up from fifth last year.
The bosses are worried about many things, like changes in the economy, hackers, and new technology.
Indian bosses are especially worried about keeping up with new tech and AI.
While many bosses are using computers to help their businesses, not all are seeing the money benefits yet.
The ones who use computers a lot in their products and for their customers are doing better than those who are just trying it out.
Indian CEOs are more optimistic about domestic growth (77%) and near-term revenue growth (57%) compared to their global peers.
India has moved to the second place after the US among global CEOs as a potential investment destination, up from fifth last year.
Global CEOs identified macroeconomic volatility, cyber risks, and inflation as the most significant threats, while Indian CEOs also highlighted tech disruptions and key skills availability.
66% of Indian CEOs are more concerned about keeping pace with tech and AI compared to 42% globally.
32% of Indian CEOs who have applied AI to business functions reported a revenue boost.
- Who
- Chief executives from 95 countries and territories, including nearly 50 from India
- What
- A survey on revenue growth prospects, investment destinations, and major threats to businesses
- When
- Survey conducted late last year, released on January 20, 2026
- Where
- Global, survey conducted by PwC
- Why
- To understand CEO confidence, investment plans, and major threats to their businesses
- Survey Conducted By
- PwC
- Number of CEOs Surveyed
- 4,454
- Indian CEOs Surveyed
- Nearly 50
- Global CEOs Expecting Growth
- Just over half
- Indian CEOs Anticipating Stronger Domestic Growth
- 77%
- Indian CEOs Confident in Near-Term Revenue Growth
- 57%
- Top Investment Destinations for Global CEOs
- US (35%), India (13%), Germany (13%), UK (13%)
- Top Risks for Global CEOs
- Macroeconomic volatility, cyber risks, inflation
- Top Risks for Indian CEOs
- Macroeconomic volatility, cyber risks, tech disruptions, key skills availability
- Indian CEOs Concerned About Tech and AI
- 66%
- Global CEOs Concerned About Tech and AI
- 42%
- Indian CEOs Using AI for Demand Generation
- 37%
- Global CEOs Using AI for Demand Generation
- 54%
- Indian CEOs Using AI in Products and Services
- 36%
- Global CEOs Using AI in Products and Services
- 52%
- Indian CEOs Reporting AI Revenue Boost
- 32%
- Indian CEOs Competing in New Sectors
- Nearly six in ten
- Global CEOs Competing in New Sectors
- Four in ten
Sources
CEO revenue confidence hits 5-year low - PwC survey
Revenue Outlook Dims as CEO Confidence Falls to 5-Year Low: PwC
Indian CEOs more confident than global peers on GDP, revenue growth: PwC survey
Europe boosts IT services growth while North America stays deal-rich