India’s Decisive Decade: 7 Business trends every CEO should watch

India’s economy is entering a period of change that will affect how companies invest, hire, expand and compete. Artificial intelligence is finding its way into everyday business, manufacturing is getting more attention, and Indian companies are looking at new markets. PwC’s 2026 India CEO Survey found that 77% of India CEOs expect domestic economic growth to improve over the next 12 months, while 57% said their companies had entered at least one new sector in the past five years.

That gives CEOs plenty to think about, and plenty to talk about, showcase, and learn through the right platform, obviously. The Economic Times has the platform, engaging millions every month. Companies looking to Advertise on ET can reach readers who follow business, technology, markets and corporate leadership. The same audience is also watching how India’s business priorities are changing.

1. AI will become part of everyday business

AI is no longer something companies can leave only to their technology teams. It is already being used in areas such as customer service, marketing, operations and analysis. PwC’s survey found that 66% of CEOs in India were concerned about keeping pace with technology and AI.

The question now is more practical: where can AI save time, improve work, or create new revenue? Companies will also have to decide how much human oversight is needed as these tools become part of regular workflows.

2. Companies are looking beyond their usual marketsMany businesses are finding growth outside the sectors they have traditionally operated in. PwC discovered that 57% of the CEOs in India stated that their firms have expanded into at least one new industry in the last five years. Areas that were identified for future expansion were technology, industrial manufacturing, and aerospace and defence.Businesses must know new customers, competitors, and business models if they are to make such moves and open new revenue streams.

3. Manufacturing is getting a fresh push

Manufacturing has become an important part of India’s growth plans. The Economic Survey 2025-26 reported 8.4% growth in manufacturing during the first half of FY26. Construction also grew 7.4% during the period.

The effect goes beyond just the manufacturing companies. Logistics providers, technology firms, suppliers and other businesses can find opportunities as production and infrastructure expand.

4. Services will continue to drive growth

India’s services sector remains a major part of the economy. The Economic Survey 2025-26 noted that services account for more than half of India’s Gross Value Added. Technology-enabled services are also helping Indian companies reach customers in overseas markets.

That keeps areas such as IT services, consulting, digital businesses and other knowledge-based industries important to India’s growth story.

5. Cybersecurity will become a boardroom issue

More technology and more digital operations also mean more exposure to cyber risks. PwC found that 48% of CEOs in India planned to strengthen enterprise-wide cybersecurity measures to a large or very large extent.

Security therefore cannot sit only with the IT department. A serious cyber incident can affect operations, customer trust and the company’s finances, making it a wider business responsibility.

6. Innovation has to find customers

New ideas are useful only when they solve a problem people are willing to pay for. PwC found that half of CEOs in India considered innovation important to their business strategy to a large or very large extent. It also found that 16% of the CEOs said between 10% and 20% of their current sales came from products or services launched in the previous three years.

That makes customer feedback, product development and speed to market important parts of the innovation process.

7. Partnerships can help companies move faster

Not all capabilities need to be developed in-house. Companies can leverage technology partnerships, industry networks and collaborations for access to expertise and new ideas. PwC found that 43% of CEOs in India were not collaborating with external partners to accelerate innovation.

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The next ten years will offer opportunities in technology, manufacturing, services and new markets, but CEOs will also have to make decisions in areas that are rapidly evolving. ET’s Leadership IP provides a forum for business leaders to discuss these changes, share their thoughts and explore the implications for businesses in India.

Partner With Us gives businesses an opportunity to be part of those conversations and put their expertise in front of the leaders shaping India’s next phase of growth.