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Speaking with Abhijeet Nehra, CEO of KUKA India, about one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
India is considered one of the most dynamic growth markets globally – driven by innovation and remarkable economic development. For KUKA, India is far more than just a sales market: the company operates its own subsidiary with multiple locations across the country with a clear goal: to be THE first choice for intelligent automation for Indian customers. In this interview, Abhijeet Nehra, CEO of KUKA India, discusses the opportunities and challenges of the market, the importance of local partnerships, and why customer proximity and flexibility are key to success in India.
Abhijeet Nehra: “KUKA is a global company and has been active in India for nearly 20 years. At several locations, we operate under a single entity that brings together all business areas.
This means customers have access to the full KUKA portfolio and benefit from a single point of contact for all solutions – from robotics and systems engineering to logistics and healthcare. This streamlines processes, enables fast implementation, and delivers solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Indian market.”
Abhijeet Nehra: “India is the most populous country in the world with around 1.4 billion people. With 22 official languages and over 400 spoken ones, it’s a land of diversity – more than just a market or a nation, it’s like a continent within a country. This results in impressive adaptability and creativity. On top of that, the economy is growing rapidly.”
Abhijeet Nehra: “Our organisation in India is designed to be flexible and customer-focused. Through close collaboration with major Indian companies and the integration of all segments under one roof, we can respond quickly to market changes and always offer the best solutions. Our sites are strategically distributed across the country, often in partnership with universities and local partners. This allows us to stay close to our customers and address regional specifics effectively.”
Abhijeet Nehra: “Absolutely! We understand the regulatory frameworks, cultural nuances, and economic opportunities in India very well. At the same time, as part of the global KUKA Group, we can bring international standards and innovations to India – and scale Indian solutions globally. It’s a classic win-win for the KUKA Group as a whole, as well as for our customers locally and worldwide.”
Abhijeet Nehra: “We’re seeing growth especially in manufacturing, consumer goods, electronics, clean energy, and healthcare. The fact that KUKA is already active in all relevant sectors in India is a major advantage for our customers.”
Abhijeet Nehra: “India is a complex market with many regulatory requirements and a demanding bureaucracy. There are risks, such as geopolitical developments or currency fluctuations. It’s crucial to understand local specifics and act flexibly. Successful companies adapt their global strategies to Indian market conditions – Suzuki’s success compared to other international carmakers is a good example.”
Abhijeet Nehra: “We’ll continue expanding our presence, especially in growth sectors like clean energy. Collaborations with major Indian companies are central to this. At the same time, we’re investing in local talent and part-nerships to drive innovation and secure sustainable growth. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do.”
