New Delhi, Sep 1: Indian companies are increasingly changing the way they manage sourcing, inventory and logistics as they look to protect operations from global disruptions and tap new opportunities in international markets, according to a new report.
The India Country Report 2026 by DP World, based on a survey of 451 senior supply-chain and logistics executives, shows that businesses are placing greater emphasis on building flexible and resilient supply networks.
Supplier diversification has emerged as the top priority, with 70 per cent of executives saying their companies are focusing on multiple suppliers to reduce dependence on individual sources. Another 59 per cent reported that businesses are increasing inventory levels to create a buffer against possible supply disruptions.
Companies are also exploring friend-shoring, technology adoption and new markets as part of their efforts to make supply chains more adaptable. The approach reflects a broader shift from relying primarily on cost efficiency towards balancing cost with continuity and risk management.
Digital technology is becoming an important part of this transformation. More than half of Indian businesses surveyed have fully digitalised customer-facing services, compared with fewer than four in 10 businesses globally. Artificial intelligence is also being used for areas such as route planning, documentation and customs-related processes.
The changes are also being supported by India’s expanding trade relationships and manufacturing initiatives. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is strengthening domestic manufacturing, while new trade agreements are creating additional sourcing and market opportunities for Indian companies.
Free trade agreements have emerged as the leading policy priority for further trade growth, with nearly half of the executives surveyed identifying them as important for expanding international business. Digitalisation and trade facilitation were also highlighted as key areas for improving India’s trade competitiveness.
As companies diversify suppliers and enter new markets, businesses are increasingly positioning inventory closer to customers. This could create additional demand for warehousing, freight forwarding, transportation and other logistics services.
The strategy, however, can also increase working-capital requirements because maintaining higher inventory levels ties up funds. Companies will therefore need better forecasting, inventory management and digital tools to balance supply-chain resilience with cost efficiency.
The report also highlights the growing importance of transport infrastructure. Around 46 per cent of logistics executives identified road networks as a priority as trade volumes increase, while businesses are increasingly considering multimodal options such as rail and coastal shipping.
India’s improving access to trade finance is another factor supporting business expansion. The report found that 57 per cent of respondents considered trade-finance availability reasonable in India, compared with 39 per cent globally.
The findings point to a broader change in corporate strategy, with Indian businesses increasingly treating supply chains as a growth and competitiveness function rather than simply an operational requirement.
For manufacturers, exporters and logistics companies, greater diversification, digitalisation and investment in infrastructure could open new business opportunities as India becomes more closely integrated with emerging global trade corridors.
The report suggests that companies able to combine reliable sourcing, efficient inventory management, technology and stronger logistics networks will be better positioned to manage disruptions while expanding into new markets.