India continues to stand out as a strong economic opportunity even as the global economy faces uncertainty, according to Arvind Tiku.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, the founder and group chairman of AT Capital said India’s large population, rising domestic demand and long-term growth needs make it one of the most promising markets in the world.
INDIA’S GROWTH STORY STILL STRONG
Tiku said that when the world is divided into major economic regions, such as the US, Europe, China and the broader Asian economies, India clearly stands out. “India is a bright spot. You can’t take that away,” he said.
He said that India’s large domestic market and young population create strong long-term growth potential. “Domestic demand of 1.4 billion people, a young population and the need for infrastructure and growth, we still have a long way to go,” Tiku said.
He explained that while India’s economy is currently around $4.5 trillion, its per capita income is still relatively low, which means there is huge room for expansion. “We might be a $4.5 trillion economy, but we are still below $3,000 per capita GDP. Even if we double that to $6,000, we become a $9 trillion economy,” he said.
BUSINESSES MUST NAVIGATE UNCERTAINTY
Tiku also said businesses will need to remain flexible as global economic and geopolitical uncertainties continue to affect markets.
According to him, issues such as disruptions in commodity supply or global trade can influence investment decisions. “In this uncertainty, businesses will need the ability to manoeuvre and take risks. Government support to businesses becomes even more important in such times,” he said.
RENEWABLE ENERGY WILL PLAY A MAJOR ROLE
On energy transition, Tiku said renewable energy will remain a crucial part of India’s energy strategy because it is currently the cheapest source of electricity. “You can’t do without renewables. For India, renewable energy is even more significant because it is the cheapest form of energy we have today,” he said.
However, he said that renewable energy also brings challenges, especially around supply chains. “About 90% of the photovoltaic (PV) and battery industry is controlled by China,” Tiku noted.
He added that lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for electric vehicles and energy storage, are also largely dominated by Chinese manufacturing. Because of this, he said India must build stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities.
“That is why the government is pushing local manufacturing of solar panels and batteries so that we can gradually reduce dependence and become more self-reliant,” he said.
ENERGY SECURITY REMAINS IMPORTANT
Tiku said India also needs to explore multiple energy options to reduce dependence on imports. According to him, the government is already encouraging more exploration of oil and gas reserves, including in offshore areas.
“The focus is on opening more of the country for exploration, especially areas like the Andaman Sea and the Bombay High region,” he said.
He also described nuclear power as an important option but highlighted some practical challenges. “Nuclear is undoubtedly a solution, but the gestation period is long, the investments are very high, and there is also dependence on imported uranium,” he said.
Because of these factors, he believes India must pursue a balanced energy mix to achieve long-term energy security.
URBANISATION WILL DRIVE REAL ESTATE DEMAND
Tiku also spoke about India’s real estate sector, saying the country is still at an early stage of urbanisation compared with many developed economies. “Real estate is cyclical everywhere, but what works for India is the need for urbanisation. We still have a long way to go,” he said.
He believes long-term investors will continue to find opportunities in housing as India’s cities expand. “We need homes and places to live for a nation of 1.4 billion people,” he added.
NEED FOR BETTER HOUSING POLICIES
While demand for housing will remain strong, Tiku said policy support will be necessary to make homes more accessible. In particular, he highlighted the importance of improving rental housing options for young professionals entering the workforce.
“We need policies that make rental homes more accessible when people first enter the workforce,” he said.
He also suggested that more government intervention could help make housing more affordable. According to Tiku, addressing these challenges will be essential as India continues its urban growth journey.
