87% of Indian CEOs confident about growth prospects over next three years: KPMG
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As many as 87% of CEOs in India are confident about their organisations' growth prospects over the next three years, surpassing the global average of 84%, according to KPMG's 2026 India CEO Outlook. The survey highlights continued business optimism despite geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, regulatory changes and rapid technological disruption.
Based on responses from 125 CEOs in India as part of KPMG's annual Global CEO Outlook survey, the report finds that business leaders are prioritising investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, workforce capabilities, and sustainability to strengthen resilience and drive long-term growth.
While 69% of Indian CEOs expect annual earnings growth of more than 2.5% over the next three years, 92% anticipate an increase in headcount, signalling confidence in business expansion and continued investment in talent.
AI adoption gains momentum, but ethical concerns persist
AI has emerged as a strategic investment priority for 78% of CEOs in India while 97% express confidence in their ability to manage AI-driven business and workforce transformation. However, ethical challenges associated with AI implementation remain the biggest barrier to adoption, cited by 64% of Indian CEOs, compared with 57% globally. The findings underscore the growing importance of responsible AI governance, trusted data and safeguards against cybersecurity risks as companies move from experimentation towards measurable business outcomes.
AI is also increasingly being viewed as a tool to advance sustainability goals. About 84% of Indian CEOs believe AI can enable more responsible innovation aligned with climate objectives, compared with 80% of their global counterparts.
Cybersecurity and talent emerge as key priorities
Cybersecurity and digital resilience are the leading areas of investment as companies prepare for an increasingly complex risk environment. According to the survey, 49% of Indian CEOs are increasing investments in these areas to strengthen their ability to respond to emerging threats.
Talent remains another major concern. Attracting and retaining employees is the top workforce challenge for 54% of CEOs in India, followed by skills gaps at 53% and the need to upskill employees for AI adoption at 51%.
The findings highlight the need for organisations to align workforce development with technological change as AI reshapes business processes, job roles, and skill requirements.
Sustainability becomes part of core business strategy
Sustainability is also gaining prominence in corporate decision-making, with 66% of Indian CEOs saying they have integrated it into their core business strategy. Further, 68% are confident of achieving their net-zero ambitions by 2030, compared with 64% of CEOs globally.
Companies are increasingly using AI and digital technologies to improve climate-risk management, strengthen sustainability reporting and enhance operational efficiency, while navigating evolving regulatory requirements and environmental considerations.
Yezdi Nagporewalla, chief executive officer of KPMG in India, said Indian CEOs continue to demonstrate confidence and resilience amid unprecedented change. "As organisations accelerate investments in AI, digital transformation and innovation, success will increasingly depend on their ability to strengthen cyber resilience, build workforce capabilities and embed trust across the enterprise. The leaders that will thrive are those who can translate resilience into sustained growth and convert technology investments into measurable business value," he said.
The report suggests that while Indian business leaders remain optimistic about growth, their ability to translate technology investments into tangible returns will depend on effective governance, workforce preparedness and stronger organisational resilience.