Indian CMOs back AI-led growth as agentic commerce moves into marketing plans

Indian CMOs are emerging as some of the most AI-forward marketers globally, according to a new industry report. The findings suggest that AI is no longer being viewed as a productivity tool alone but as a driver of commerce, customer acquisition and revenue growth. India’s marketing leaders are placing bigger bets on AI The report indicates that 53% of Indian CMOs expect business growth between 5% and 9% over the coming period, while 73% have identified agentic commerce as a strategic priority. The shift points to growing confidence in AI systems that can not only recommend products but also execute actions and transactions on behalf of consumers. Key findings Metric India CMOs expecting 5–9% business growth 53% CMOs prioritising agentic commerce 73% AI adoption focus Marketing, commerce and customer experience What this means for the ad industry For agencies, media companies and martech providers, the findings signal a structural shift in how marketing budgets may be allocated. As AI agents become capable of handling discovery, recommendation and purchasing decisions, brands will need to rethink visibility, performance measurement and customer journeys. The implications extend beyond media buying. Search, retail media, content strategy and customer experience design could all be reshaped by AI-powered commerce ecosystems. The strategic read Indian marketers appear less focused on whether AI will affect marketing and more focused on where it can generate growth. That is a notable shift from experimentation to execution. Our insight The next digital shelf may not be browsed by consumers alone. Increasingly, brands will also need to win recommendations from AI agents acting on their behalf.