If you’re a Western business owner, brand builder, or investor, I want to offer you a single piece of advice I wish someone gave me earlier:
Start looking at India – right now.
I’m not here to pitch a trend or a buzzword, in fact, I’m not pitching you anything! I’m writing this article because I’ve seen the market from the inside and I see the immense potential, and I want others to see it too. I’ve sat with developers in Delhi, fitness trainers in Mumbai, and many middle-class families and people who we work with at Drive Fitt across various sectors – and the scale and speed of what’s happening here is something Western business owners simply cannot and should not ignore.
India is booming. Economically, culturally, and demographically.
I’ll start with one truly ridiculous number.
25,000,000 – India is adding 25 million people per year to its middle class. That’s (almost) the entire population of Australia, every 12 months – entering the consumption economy. New gym members. New wellness buyers. New users of tech, insurance, beauty, protein powder, athleisure, childcare products – you name it, they’re consuming it and in mass.
And these consumers aren’t just coming online. They’re brand-aware. They’re increasingly health-conscious. And they’re showing a clear appetite for Western products and experiences that are well-localised to their needs. Therein lies the opportunity.
A word of caution – don’t be blinded by the scale.
India is massive, no doubt. But that’s why it’s easy to forget the fundamentals and try and run before you walk – which we all know is never a good idea.
At Drive Fitt, our cricket-fitness-recovery business, I’ve learned firsthand that the smartest way to grow here is to start local, not national. Pick one city. Focus. Test. Learn. Adapt. Then scale.
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get seduced by the sheer size of the market and lose sight of business fundamentals. Your core playbook still applies – you just have to adapt it to India’s unique rhythm.
Cricket. Fitness. Tech. Bollywood. Consumer Goods.
As Executive Chairman of Drive Fitt, I’ve had the rare chance to have exposure to multiple growth sectors at once. And let me tell you – whether it’s cricket, celebrity culture, fitness, tech, or D2C consumer products – India is not just growing, it’s exploding.
It’s a young country. Over 50% of the population is under 30. It’s digital. It’s mobile-first. And it’s aspirational. If you have a brand that aligns with progress, health, education, or identity – India should be on your radar, now.
But none of it works without the right team.
If I could leave you with one non-negotiable: You must have great people on the ground.
People you trust. People who know the market. People who understand pricing, packaging, consumer habits, local supply chains, and the unspoken rules of getting things done. Get this part wrong and you will fail – I guarantee it.
That, plus a very structured business plan – one that breaks down every operational detail: from distribution to marketing to hiring – will make all the difference.
And if you’re not sure how to go about it, feel free to reach out. I’m more than happy to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) for us. Happy to help!
Why Now?
Because India is moving fast.
The country is becoming wealthy. The infrastructure is improving rapidly. Indian developers are powering Silicon Valley, Indian brands are going global, and Western brands that once felt “too premium” are now aspirational and accessible.
450 million middle-class consumers today. 700 million by 2030. 1 billion by the 2040’s. Low operating costs. Deep talent pool. High digital penetration. English speaking. Trade friendly – I could go on..
In my opinion, Western businesses should not sit on the sidelines any longer. India isn’t a “maybe.” It’s a “must.”
If you’re a business owner, executive, or investor wondering if your product or business could work in India – feel free to ask me anything. I’ve made the mistakes. I’ve learned the lessons. And I’m genuinely passionate about helping others break into this extraordinary market.
Drop me a message here – Happy to help however I can.