A CBRE survey reveals India is APAC’s top logistics hub, with 70% of occupiers eyeing expansion over the next two years.

India is fast becoming the logistics nerve centre of the Asia-Pacific region, with a stunning 70% of occupiers planning to expand their footprint in the country over the next two years, according to CBRE’s newly released 2025 India Logistics Occupier Survey.
The report points to a groundswell of confidence among both domestic and multinational companies, driven by India’s strong consumption engine, rapid infrastructure upgrades, and evolving global supply chain strategies. In fact, over 80% of Indian respondents expressed intentions to scale up operations, making it clear that despite global macroeconomic headwinds, India is seen as a resilient and future-ready logistics destination.
“India’s logistics sector is undergoing a powerful transformation,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO of India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East & Africa, CBRE. “Stable macroeconomic conditions, a strong reform agenda, and the shift toward scalable, tech-driven, and sustainable warehousing solutions are driving this evolution.”
Smart warehouses, greener footprints
The modern logistics player is no longer just looking for space; they want smart, ESG-compliant warehouses.
According to the survey:
- 84% of respondents prefer new, investment-grade facilities that are automation-ready and environmentally responsible.
- 57% are already investing in automated storage and retrieval systems, with a clear tilt towards green certifications, solar power integration, and intelligent energy monitoring.
This shift highlights how technology and sustainability are no longer optional; they’re shaping the way India stores, moves, and manages goods.
Tier-II cities steal the spotlight
While metros remain major logistics anchors, cities like Nagpur, Coimbatore, Indore, Lucknow, and Jaipur are fast emerging as the new growth frontiers. Their affordable land costs, strong connectivity, and increasing investor interest are positioning them as vital nodes in India’s expanding logistics grid.
With India’s warehousing stock projected to double by 2030, these cities are expected to play a central role in shaping the next decade of logistics growth.
Government push fuelling the surge
India’s rise on the logistics map isn’t just market-driven; it’s also policy-powered. Flagship initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy are laying the groundwork for seamless multi-modal transport, efficient freight corridors, and integrated logistics parks.
Together, these developments are strengthening India’s credentials as Asia-Pacific’s most promising logistics powerhouse, one that combines scale, technology, sustainability, and strategic policy support.
As businesses across sectors rethink their supply chains, India is no longer just part of the conversation—it’s at the centre of it. The message from the CBRE report is loud and clear: India isn’t catching up anymore; it’s leading the logistics race in the APAC region.
Source: IBEF