Archive · 23 Sep 2026
India Seen as Global Manufacturing Base Amid Turmoil
World events such as conflicts, tariffs and trade disruptions are changing how companies decide where to do business.
Sundeep Sikka said India may benefit from these changes.
He said companies are increasingly considering India as a place to make products for the world, not only to sell products to Indian customers.
Japanese companies are reportedly asking more practical questions about expanding in India.
German manufacturers may also look for locations outside Germany.
Smaller companies are showing interest alongside large multinational corporations.
More Indian people are investing in financial markets, which can reduce reliance on foreign investors.
However, only about 4 percent of India’s population invests in mutual funds.
Sikka said India has reached an important stage because companies need capital and investors want to participate in its growth.
Geopolitical tensions, tariffs and supply-chain disruptions are reshaping investment and business decisions worldwide.
Sundeep Sikka said multinational companies increasingly view India as a manufacturing base serving global markets.
Interest in India is reportedly growing among Japanese, German and smaller foreign companies.
Sikka said domestic retail investors are reducing India’s reliance on foreign capital, though mutual-fund participation remains limited.
He described India as being at an “inflection point,” with economic growth and capital available to companies and investors.
- Who
- Sundeep Sikka, Managing Director and CEO of Nippon Life India Asset Management, and foreign companies considering India.
- What
- Sikka said global uncertainty is creating manufacturing and capital-market opportunities for India.
- When
- September 23, 2026; the remarks were made at an Association of Investment Bankers of India event on Wednesday.
- Where
- At an Association of Investment Bankers of India event; the specific location was not stated.
- Why
- Geopolitical tensions, tariffs, supply-chain disruptions and changing global alliances are influencing investment and manufacturing decisions.
- Speaker
- Sundeep Sikka, Managing Director and CEO of Nippon Life India Asset Management
- Manufacturing theme
- “Built for the world in India,” rather than only “Make in India”
- Foreign interest
- Japanese companies and potentially German manufacturers are exploring India as a manufacturing destination
- Retail investment
- About 4% of India’s population invests in mutual funds
- Global comparison
- Mutual-fund participation was contrasted with around 65% globally
- Mutual-fund assets
- Mutual-fund assets account for about 16% of India’s GDP
- Capital-market outlook
- Sikka described India as being at an “inflection point” with domestic and foreign capital available