ndia has entered a new phase in its economic story. Once viewed as a market for mass consumption, it is now a centre of global luxury. For decades, the narrative was about affordability and access. Today, it is about aspiration, experience and expression.

Luxury sales in China and Europe have become volatile, pushing many global brands to redraw their maps. India now sits at the centre of those maps. Its luxury goods market is projected to grow by 10 percent this year and reach around 12 billion dollars by the end of 2025. The number of millionaires has crossed 900,000 and continues to rise by almost 40,000 every year.

Deependra Pandey

India’s luxury growth rests on three key foundations: a young population, expanding wealth and rapid digitalization. The median age is under 30, and the country adds over 70 million internet users each year. Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore lead the spending, but new hubs like Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad are rising fast.

This growth is not driven by inheritance but by first-generation entrepreneurs, professionals and creators who value global quality and local identity. They prefer meaning over materialism. They want experiences, not excess. Fine dining, luxury travel, health retreats and exclusive cultural events are now leading the luxury wave.

To understand what moves India, one must know its ABC.

Together, these three elements – faith, culture and community – reveal how India blends heritage with modern ambition.

Global luxury houses are taking notice. In the past two years alone, more than 25 international brands have entered the market. Beauty giants like Estée Lauder and Shiseido are preparing local production. Lamborghini delivered a record 110 cars last year. Mercedes-Maybach sales grew by 145 percent. Indian stars are now global brand ambassadors, signalling how influence flows both ways.

At the same time, Indian luxury brands are gaining international attention. Designers such as Sabyasachi, Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta are entering global retail spaces. Indian jewellers, hospitality groups and wellness brands are blending local artistry with international standards, showing that “Made in India” can also mean world-class luxury.

India is no longer only a destination to sell. It is becoming a place to design, manufacture and build long-term partnerships. Retail infrastructure, digital reach and rising urban incomes are creating the foundation for the next decade of luxury growth. The recent Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the EFTA countries, including Switzerland, will further open opportunities in investment, innovation and high-value manufacturing. For the luxury industry, it marks a turning point in bilateral collaboration and market access.

Luxury Venture Group is responding to this momentum through the International Business Delegation to India, taking place from 11 to 17 March, 2026. The journey through Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai will connect Swiss and European leaders with India’s luxury, innovation and hospitality sectors. The delegation will explore how global expertise and Indian creativity can build new opportunities for sustainable growth.

The delegation will include visits to innovation hubs, luxury houses and cultural landmarks. Participants will engage with entrepreneurs, policy leaders and investors shaping India’s next growth phase. It aims to foster joint ventures, retail collaborations and knowledge exchange between Europe and India’s emerging luxury sectors.

India’s luxury story is not an imitation of the West, but a new expression of confidence, rooted in culture, powered by innovation and open to the world.