Indian companies and institutional investors are sharply stepping up their global ambitions, with majority of them planning to expand cross-border trade and capital flows over the next five years, a survey by HSBC showed on Monday, even as India Inc recalibrates risk strategies to navigate a volatile global environment
The survey flagged strong outward push as 98% of Indian firms expressed their plan to increase cross-border trade or investment over the next five years, the highest of any market surveyed. This outward push underscores a strong outward push despite ongoing global uncertainties.
In the near term, 86% businesses expect their cross-border capital deployment to rise over the next three years, well above the global average, signalling sustained confidence in international growth opportunities.
“The findings from the survey reflect something more than a response to volatility," said Ajay Sharma, Head of Banking, HSBC India, highlighting that they signal a fundamental recalibration in where growth will be created and how it will be captured."
"With strong domestic growth momentum, expanding international ambition, and deepening connections with new and existing corridors, India is emerging as one of the most dynamic forces in global trade and investment," he added.
At the same time, risk appetite is increasing, with 94% of Indian respondents indicating a greater willingness to take calculated risks compared to five years ago.
Despite global headwinds, 94% of Indian businesses said they are actively increasing investments in high-growth markets. Companies are also diversifying geographically, with the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia emerging as key corridors for future economic engagement.
Firms expect AI to improve productivity, decision-making and innovation, while also enhancing customer experience.
The shift towards digital financial systems is also gathering pace. Nearly all respondents believe digital assets will fundamentally reshape capital markets over the next decade, with more than half already implementing digital finance use cases.
The HSBC survey point to a structural shift in how Indian businesses are approaching globalisation, not as a cautious, incremental process but as an assertive expansion backed by technology, diversified market bets and a higher tolerance for risk. Even as volatility becomes a constant, India Inc appears to be positioning itself to capture a larger share of global capital and trade flows in the years ahead.
The survey flagged strong outward push as 98% of Indian firms expressed their plan to increase cross-border trade or investment over the next five years, the highest of any market surveyed. This outward push underscores a strong outward push despite ongoing global uncertainties.
In the near term, 86% businesses expect their cross-border capital deployment to rise over the next three years, well above the global average, signalling sustained confidence in international growth opportunities.
“The findings from the survey reflect something more than a response to volatility," said Ajay Sharma, Head of Banking, HSBC India, highlighting that they signal a fundamental recalibration in where growth will be created and how it will be captured."
"With strong domestic growth momentum, expanding international ambition, and deepening connections with new and existing corridors, India is emerging as one of the most dynamic forces in global trade and investment," he added.
Recalibrating risk in uncertain times
The HSBC survey indicates that Indian firms are not retreating in the face of volatility but are instead adjusting their strategies. Nearly 95% of respondents said economic instability is now a structural feature of the global landscape, while 91% have recalibrated their capital allocation approaches.At the same time, risk appetite is increasing, with 94% of Indian respondents indicating a greater willingness to take calculated risks compared to five years ago.
Despite global headwinds, 94% of Indian businesses said they are actively increasing investments in high-growth markets. Companies are also diversifying geographically, with the UAE, UK and Saudi Arabia emerging as key corridors for future economic engagement.
Technology drives global strategy
Technology, particularly artificial intelligence and data infrastructure, is emerging as a central pillar of international expansion. Around 71% of Indian respondents identified AI as a key driver of their global strategy, which is 20% above the global average.Firms expect AI to improve productivity, decision-making and innovation, while also enhancing customer experience.
The shift towards digital financial systems is also gathering pace. Nearly all respondents believe digital assets will fundamentally reshape capital markets over the next decade, with more than half already implementing digital finance use cases.
The HSBC survey point to a structural shift in how Indian businesses are approaching globalisation, not as a cautious, incremental process but as an assertive expansion backed by technology, diversified market bets and a higher tolerance for risk. Even as volatility becomes a constant, India Inc appears to be positioning itself to capture a larger share of global capital and trade flows in the years ahead.
