India has emerged as the second most preferred investment destination globally, according to PwC's 29th Annual Global CEO Survey. The survey, released on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, revealed that 13% of global CEOs consider India a key investment hub, placing it alongside Germany and the UK, and behind only the United States. This marks a significant jump from the previous year when India shared the fifth position with France.
The United States remains the top choice for global CEOs, with 35% indicating their intention to invest there. However, India's rise in the rankings signals growing confidence in its economic fundamentals and long-term growth potential. The PwC survey included insights from 4,454 CEOs globally, including nearly 50 from India.
Indian CEOs display greater optimism about domestic economic growth compared to their global counterparts. A striking 77% of Indian CEOs anticipate stronger growth in the domestic market over the next 12 months, while only 55% of global CEOs share the same sentiment for their respective territories. Moreover, 57% of Indian CEOs expressed high confidence in near-term revenue growth for their companies, nearly double the percentage of their global peers.
Several factors contribute to India's attractiveness as an investment destination. Government reforms, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, have strengthened the country's investment climate. Domestic factors and public investment further fuel the optimism of Indian CEOs.
Despite the positive outlook, the survey also highlighted certain challenges and concerns. Macroeconomic volatility and cyber risks are the top concerns for Indian CEOs. Additionally, 66% of Indian CEOs expressed concern about keeping pace with technology and AI, even though 32% of those who have applied AI to business functions report revenue growth.
Indian companies are increasingly focused on innovation-led diversification, with 57% having entered at least one new sector in the past five years. Technology, industrial manufacturing, and aerospace and defense are the most favored areas for expansion over the next three years.
Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson of PwC in India, noted that Indian businesses have demonstrated strong resilience despite a muted global growth outlook. He emphasized the need for decisive leadership to balance innovation with resilience, fostering strategic growth while safeguarding enterprise and stakeholder trust.
