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Market profile
India
Catalysing investment, innovation and cross-border expansion.
Key takeaways
India at a glance
India is projected to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, supported by domestic demand, manufacturing expansion and continued public infrastructure investment. Through initiatives like the design and manufacturing Make in India and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, the country is attracting large investments across various sectors.
Investment drivers
- India is the leading global destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
- Government support to improve supply chain efficiency and support private capital expenditure.
Sectors to watch
Manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medical devices, shipping and logistics, technology
Key corridor markets
US, UK, ASEAN
Banking implications
Supply chain financing opportunities; increased treasury complexity; rising demand for cross-border banking
India by the numbers
USD94.52 billion
Total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow in 2026
25 per cent
Target manufacturing share of GDP by 2035
USD100 billion
Projected market size of GCCs by 2030
Why India, why now
A global hub for talent, innovation and investment
India has evolved beyond a low-cost outsourcing destination into a centre for technology development and enterprise services. Home to the world’s largest and fastest-growing GCC ecosystem, India attracts multinational companies seeking access to skilled talent, AI capabilities and R&D expertise. Its vibrant startup ecosystem, growing digital adoption and increasing technology exports continue to appeal to global investors.
An emerging manufacturing and supply chain powerhouse
As companies diversify production and sourcing footprints, India is emerging as a key beneficiary of China+1 and as a destination for manufacturing and supply chain investments.
Government initiatives such as Make in India and PLI schemes continue to attract investment, while expanding industrial corridors and logistics networks are strengthening India’s competitiveness as a global production base.
A connector for major growth regions
Positioned between East Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, India serves as a natural bridge linking major global trade routes. Growing trade and investment flows with the UK, US and ASEAN are creating opportunities for companies looking to scale across markets.
For multinational businesses, India is increasingly serving as a hub for regional operations, strategic investment and supply-chain diversification across Asia and beyond.
Global companies are increasingly looking to India not just as a destination market, but as a platform for innovation, manufacturing and regional expansion. As trade corridors evolve, businesses need partners that can connect capital, supply chains and opportunities across markets.
P.D. SinghCEO, India & South Asia
Standard Chartered’s edge in India
Standard Chartered has been operating in India for more than 160 years, combining deep local expertise with one of the world’s leading international banking networks.
Leading gateway into and out of India
We are the only foreign bank in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) that offers a comprehensive suite of cash and trade products.
Market-leading RMB capabilities
Named ‘Best Renminbi Bank in India’ at The Asset Triple A Treasurise Awards 2026, we help clients manage growing trade and investment flows across Asia.
Extensive cross-border connectivity
We connect clients in India to markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.
Trends transforming India’s banking landscape
GCCs are reshaping corporate banking demand
- India’s GCC ecosystem has grown into the world’s largest, with more than 2,100 centres generating an estimated USD98 billion in revenue. Having expanded from USD40 billion (2019) to USD64 billion (2024), the sector is projected to exceed USD100 billion by 2030.
- As GCCs move up the value chain into AI, engineering and product development, they are creating heightened requirements across treasury, liquidity management and cross-border payments structures.
Supply chain diversification is driving new trade corridors
- As companies accelerate China+1 strategies, India is attracting manufacturing investment through government initiatives. Continued investment in logistics networks and export infrastructure is strengthening its role in global value chains.
- Rising trade and investment flows are reinforcing India’s position as a key supply chain and production hub, creating growing demand for trade, treasury and supply chain finance.
Digitalisation is redefining financial services
- India’s IT sector is forecast to surpass USD300 billion in revenue in 2026, driven by rapid adoption of AI, cloud computing and digital services.
- Continued investment in fintech and digital frameworks is reshaping how businesses manage payments and liquidity – the shift towards real-time, API-enabled banking is accelerating demand for integrated transaction banking solutions.
Corridor opportunities
India-US
Technology, capital deployment and supply chain diversification
India-UK
Trade and investment, innovation and financial connectivity
India-ASEAN
Regional integration and a gateway to Asia’s growth markets
Sector opportunities
- India’s manufacturing sector contributes around 17 per cent of GDP and is targeted to reach 25 per cent by 2035, supported by policy reforms, rising domestic demand and growing investment. As companies expand capacity and localise supply chains, demand is increasing for capex financing solutions that support growth and operational resilience.
- Growing export activity is driving the need for trade finance, FX and cross-border treasury solutions to manage increasingly complex international supply chains.
- India’s pharmaceutical industry is projected to grow from approximately USD60 billion to USD80 billion by 2030, while the medical devices sector is expected to more than triple to USD50 billion, strengthening the country’s position as a global healthcare manufacturing hub.
- Expansion across R&D and export markets is increasing demand for working capital optimisation, receivables financing and efficient cross-border payment capabilities. As businesses scale internationally, treasury and liquidity solutions will be pivotal to supporting multi-market operations and regulatory complexity.
- India’s technology sector exceeds USD315 billion and continues to benefit from strong demand for AI, cloud computing and data-centre infrastructure.
- Continued investment in digital infrastructure and technology platforms is creating opportunities for capital optimisation and funding solutions as tech businesses require scalable treasury infrastructure to support expansions.
Products and services
Cash management
- Account services
- Clearing
- Collections
- Escrow
- Liquidity management
- Payments
Digital/mobile banking
- Straight2Bank
- Straight2Bank Mobile
Trade services
- Documentary trade
- Guarantees
- Receivables services
- Short-term loans and overdrafts
- Supply chain finance
- Trade loans
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