‘BT India at 100’: Industry experts delve into India's ascent as a worldwide consumer hub

Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh

In an engaging interview at the 'BT at India 100 Summit,' experts discussed India's role as a global consumer hub. Led by Shailendra Bhatnagar, Editor (Markets) of Business Today, the session delves into India's emergence as a powerhouse of consumption, driven by technology and its implications

BT India at 100 Summit

Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson of PwC India, highlighted India's diverse society with distinct urban and rural preferences. He stressed that businesses must understand these intricacies to tailor products effectively and build strong consumer relationships

Diverse Demographics

Sanjeev Krishan noted that India's consumption levels are high, and the young population seeks experiences alongside products. This shift in mindset adds a layer of complexity to consumer engagement

Experience-Oriented Consumption

Kunal Bahl, Co-Founder of Snapdeal, emphasized the middle-class's role in unlocking India's consumer potential. This demographic, poised between affluence and scarcity, is tech-savvy and enthusiastic about novel products

Rise of Middle-Class
Purchasing Power

Kunal Bahl predicted that by 2030, a significant majority of Indians will be online, transacting extensively. The tech-savvy middle-class holds the key to India's changing consumption patterns

Tech-Savvy Middle-Class

Experts agreed that technology is reshaping manufacturing and distribution efficiency. Artificial intelligence and robotics would play a pivotal role in driving this transformation

Technology's Influence

Manish Sharma, CEO of Panasonic India, explained how AI could streamline production and enable data-driven decision-making. According to Sharma, AI is poised to be a game-changer in business operations

AI's Game-Changing Role

The discussion took a candid turn as experts addressed challenges hindering India's journey as a global consumer hub. Domestic production and logistics complexities came to the forefront of the discussion

Challenges in the Landscape

Manish Sharma advocated for transformative strategies to enhance production and distribution. The experts agreed on the need for smart technology solutions to overcome challenges

Smart Technology Solutions

The session concludes with a focus on India's progressive trajectory as a global consumer hub. It underscored the diverse consumer landscape, technology's transformative role, and the necessity for innovative solutions to pave the way for India's bright future in global consumption trends

Looking Ahead