Chess, originating in India as ‘Chaturanga’, embodies timeless principles of strategy, foresight and calculated moves, much like Kuehne+Nagel’s strategy. Our decision to invest in India is akin to a checkmate move in chess — bold, decisive, and transformative, capitalising on the country's rapid economic growth and potential. By prioritising India under our Market Potential cornerstone, we are making a strategic choice that drives our future ambitions.
India’s economic significance on the global stage is profound. As the world’s fifth-largest economy, it is projected to ascend to the third position by 2030-2031, with a steady annual growth rate of 6.7% 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also envisions India to achieve developed country status by 2047 2. Its population, now exceeding 1.4 billion 3, has recently surpassed China’s, making it the most populous country. The youthful demographic ensures a dynamic, adaptive, and innovative workforce. This economic growth and demographic advantage align seamlessly with Kuehne+Nagel’s strategy, making India a key focus area for our growth.
Strategic investments and increasing demand for e-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing logistics services are fuelling our Contract Logistics business in India, which is experiencing unprecedented growth. The rapid expansion of these industries, coupled with advancements in technology and infrastructure, has positioned India as a crucial hub for supply chain and logistics innovation.
Anish Kumar Jha
Managing Director for India,
Sri Lanka and the Maldives
India epitomises its potential in the Market Potential cornerstone. Our strategy involves enhancing logistics efficiency through strategic investments and tailored solutions that address the unique needs of Indian industries. By leveraging technological innovations and data-driven insights, we aim to optimise supply chains, allocate resources effectively, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Five new Contract Logistics facilities opened in 2024 adding up to 87,000 sqm to our footprint. Additionally, we invested to expand our global 4PL Control Tower in India, which operates 24/7 and delivers valuable real-time visibility to customers. Our Control Tower workforce grew from 45 in 2021 to more than five times in the past year, with further expansion to over 400 supply chain specialists planned by 2026 to support customer growth and meet evolving market demands.
Like a well-played chess game, our strategy is precise, thoughtful, and designed to achieve long-term success, while remaining a trusted partner in India’s journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
Sources:
1 S&P Global. (2024, September 19). India is set to become the third-largest economy by 2030-31 with projected annual growth of 6.7%, according to S&P Global.
2 PwC. India Rising: Five springboards to developed nation status by 2047.
3 McKinsey. (2024, July 3). What does the future hold for India?