Indian firms are accelerating cross-border investment, AI adoption, and digital finance strategies despite ongoing global market volatility, according to an HSBC India survey.
Indian businesses and institutional investors remain strongly optimistic about global growth opportunities despite ongoing economic uncertainty, according to a new survey released by HSBC India ahead of its Global Investment Summit 2026.
The survey found that Indian companies are increasingly shifting focus beyond domestic expansion and strengthening international trade and investment strategies as global markets undergo structural changes driven by technology, supply chain realignment, and digital infrastructure investments.
Nearly 98% of Indian respondents said they plan to increase cross-border trade or investment over the next five years, the highest level among all surveyed markets. In addition, 86% said they expect international capital deployment to increase over the next three years.
The findings suggest that Indian businesses continue to pursue overseas growth opportunities despite geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and broader economic volatility affecting global markets.
According to the survey, 95% of respondents said volatility has become a permanent feature of the global business environment, while 94% said they are actively increasing investments in high-growth markets despite uncertainty.
Indian firms also appear more willing to take strategic risks as they expand internationally. Around 94% of respondents said they are now more comfortable taking calculated risks compared to five years ago.
Ajay Sharma said the findings reflect a broader transformation in how Indian businesses are approaching global growth strategies.
“The findings from the survey reflect something more than a response to volatility; they signal a fundamental recalibration in where growth will be created and how it will be captured,” Sharma said.
The report also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure in shaping India’s international business strategies.
India ranked highest among surveyed markets for viewing AI and data infrastructure as a critical factor in international strategy decisions, with 71% of respondents identifying it as a major priority. Meanwhile, 91% said access to critical technologies and infrastructure would significantly influence international expansion plans over the next three years.
Businesses surveyed said they expect AI adoption to improve productivity, workforce efficiency, forecasting capabilities, innovation, and customer experience across operations.
The findings also point to rising confidence in digital finance and tokenised financial systems among Indian companies and investors.
According to the survey, 98% of Indian respondents believe digital assets will fundamentally reshape capital markets over the next decade, reflecting increasing interest in digital financial infrastructure and technology-led financial transformation.
The independent survey included 3,000 senior business decision-makers and 500 institutional investors across 10 global markets, including 300 respondents from India.
HSBC India currently operates across 18 cities in India and employs around 47,000 people across banking, technology, investment banking, asset management, and global operations.
The survey results come as Indian companies continue expanding their global footprint across manufacturing, technology, financial services, and digital infrastructure sectors, supported by increasing outbound investment activity and rising participation in international trade corridors.
Key Takeaways
• Nearly 98% of Indian respondents plan to increase cross-border trade or investment
• Indian businesses ranked highest globally in optimism toward international growth
• AI and digital infrastructure are becoming central to global expansion strategies
• 98% of respondents believe digital assets will reshape capital markets
• Indian firms are showing greater willingness to take calculated strategic risks
Source: HSBC