India Rises as a Global Investment Magnet, PwC CEO Survey Reveals

India’s position in the global economic order continues to strengthen, with the country emerging as the second-most preferred investment destination worldwide, according to the 29th Annual Global CEO Survey conducted by PwC. The findings mark a significant shift in global corporate sentiment, reflecting rising confidence in India’s growth trajectory at a time when much of the world is grappling with economic uncertainty.

The survey results, released around the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlight how India has moved decisively up the investment preference ladder, now ranking just behind the United States and ahead of several advanced economies.

Furthermore, the report added that the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, which seeks to decriminalise 288 provisions and amend 355 others, is aimed at improving ease of doing business and living. | Financial Express

A Sharp Climb in Global Investor Preference

The PwC survey, which gathered insights from thousands of CEOs across more than 90 countries, shows that around 13 per cent of global chief executives now view India as their top destination for future investment. This represents a dramatic improvement from the previous year, when India ranked lower with significantly fewer CEOs prioritising it for capital allocation.

India now shares the second position with the United Kingdom and Germany, underscoring its transition from an emerging market opportunity to a core destination for global capital. The United States continues to hold the top spot, but India’s rapid rise signals a notable rebalancing in global investment flows.

Economic Resilience Amid Global Uncertainty

India’s growing appeal stands out against a challenging global backdrop marked by slowing growth, inflationary pressures, trade tensions and geopolitical conflicts. While many economies face subdued outlooks, India has maintained robust momentum, supported by strong domestic demand, public infrastructure spending and expanding manufacturing capacity.

Global CEOs surveyed by PwC pointed to India’s relative macroeconomic stability and long-term growth visibility as key factors influencing their investment decisions. Forecasts from multiple financial institutions continue to project India as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the coming years, reinforcing this optimism.

Confidence Among Indian Business Leaders

The survey also highlights a marked contrast between Indian CEOs and their global counterparts. Business leaders in India remain significantly more optimistic about near-term revenue growth and domestic economic conditions. A majority of Indian CEOs expect improved business performance over the next 12 months, driven by expanding consumer markets, digital adoption and policy continuity.

This confidence is further strengthened by India’s demographic advantage, with a young and increasingly skilled workforce supporting productivity and innovation across sectors ranging from technology and manufacturing to renewable energy and financial services.

Policy Reforms and a Strengthening Business Environment

India’s rise in global investment preference is closely linked to sustained policy reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. Government initiatives focused on regulatory simplification, infrastructure development and manufacturing incentives have helped reduce entry barriers for foreign investors.

Production-linked incentive schemes, tax reforms, digital governance platforms and efforts to decriminalise minor business offences have collectively contributed to a more predictable and investor-friendly environment. These measures have not only attracted foreign direct investment but have also boosted confidence among global corporations looking to diversify supply chains.

Davos 2026 and India’s Expanding Global Footprint

India’s growing investment appeal was clearly visible at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Indian states and companies announced major investment commitments across sectors such as technology, renewable energy, data infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

Several Indian states signed large-scale agreements with multinational corporations, reinforcing India’s image as both a manufacturing hub and a digital economy powerhouse. These engagements reflect a shift in perception, with India increasingly seen as a long-term strategic partner rather than merely a cost-efficient market.

Global CEOs and the Changing Investment Landscape

The PwC survey also reveals a more cautious global investment climate overall, with fewer CEOs planning aggressive cross-border investments compared to previous years. However, India stands out as an exception, attracting increased interest even as global risk appetite remains selective.

This trend suggests that India is benefiting from a combination of scale, stability and reform momentum at a time when investors are prioritising resilience and growth certainty over short-term gains.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s emergence as the world’s second-most preferred investment destination reflects a deeper shift in global confidence toward its economic fundamentals. At a time of widespread global uncertainty, India stands out for its growth visibility, macroeconomic resilience, and scale of opportunity. Strong domestic demand, sustained public infrastructure spending, and an expanding manufacturing base have positioned the country as a reliable engine of growth, drawing increased attention from global CEOs who are reassessing risk and long-term returns. The rising optimism among Indian business leaders further reinforces this narrative, supported by a young workforce, rapid digital adoption, and expanding consumer markets across sectors.

This growing appeal is closely tied to consistent policy reforms that have reshaped the business environment over recent years. Regulatory simplification, production-linked incentives, tax rationalisation, and digital governance have collectively improved ease of doing business and supply-chain confidence. India’s strong presence at global platforms like Davos underscores its evolving image as a strategic, long-term investment partner rather than a peripheral emerging market. As global capital becomes more selective, India’s combination of stability, reform momentum, and future-ready sectors continues to strengthen its position in the global investment landscape.

(Sources: Firstpost, Economic Times, Financial Express)