Agencies
Mumbai
Indian CEOs are prioritising emerging technologies and strategic acquisitions to drive growth, showing greater confidence in their business outlook than their global counterparts, according to the EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey: Global Confidence Index 2025, India Findings
The survey found that 86 per cent of Indian CEOs consider emerging technologies a key investment priority for the next year, while 90 per cent believe artificial intelligence adoption and workforce upskilling will be critical in defining industry leaders.
Most executives are taking a long-term approach to transformation, stressing on customer and employee engagement despite global economic uncertainty.
Mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures are expected to play a crucial role in expansion plans, with 90 per cent of Indian CEOs actively exploring strategic deals to optimise operations and boost market presence. The survey mentioned that organisations embracing technology-driven transformation and workforce development will likely emerge stronger in an increasingly digital economy.
The survey also pointed to shifting business priorities, with 20 per cent of CEOs identifying customer engagement and retention as their top focus, followed by 18 per cent who mentioned improving employee retention. Cost reduction and process innovation were also found to be key areas of investment.
Despite this optimism, 96 per cent of Indian CEOs cited geopolitical instability as a major concern, underlining the complexities global political developments pose for business strategy.
With strong balance sheets and access to financing, Indian businesses are well-positioned to leverage technology and M&A for strategic growth, according to Amit Khandelwal, Managing Partner for Strategy and Transactions at EY India.
“The case for strategic M&A has never been more compelling in India,” he said, adding that AI-driven transformation and defensive consolidation will enhance operational resilience in a volatile environment.The survey found that 86 per cent of Indian CEOs consider emerging technologies a key investment priority for the next year, while 90 per cent believe artificial intelligence adoption and workforce upskilling will be critical in defining industry leaders
