Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath recently made a bold statement about Indian brands on social media. He challenged the long-held belief that Indian companies cannot create premium brands that succeed internationally. Kamath pointed to specific examples showing how Indian luxury brands are now competing globally on their own terms.
Indian Brands Making Global Waves
In his X post, Kamath highlighted several Indian brands that are expanding their presence in foreign markets. He mentioned Subko, which recently opened a flagship store at Dubai's Alserkal Avenue. Another brand, SuperYou, has started selling in Dubai as well.
The fashion label 11.11 has entered the New York market. Kamath noted an interesting cultural moment for this brand. Actor Brad Pitt wore 11.11 clothing in a film without any paid promotion. This organic placement shows how Indian designs are reaching global audiences.
Changing Perceptions of 'Made in India'
Kamath described this shift as a quiet but meaningful change in how the world views Indian products. He emphasized that these brands are not simply copying Western labels. Instead, they are bringing their unique Indian identity to international markets.
He also mentioned Nappa Dori, which has an international presence near Subko's Dubai outlet. While clarifying he has no association with the brand, Kamath expressed pride in seeing its success abroad.
Supporting the Movement
Kamath revealed that his startup venture platform, Join the Foundry, aims to add momentum to this shift. The initiative seeks to help build more Indian brands that are premium, artisan-led, culturally rooted, and globally relevant. The goal is to create brands that appeal to international audiences while staying true to their Indian identity.
Social Media Reactions
The post quickly gained traction online, sparking enthusiastic responses from users. One commenter wrote, "Indian craftsmanship + Global aesthetic = Unstoppable. The world is finally waking up to what 'Premium Indian' actually looks like."
Another user noted, "This is important because it breaks a long-held assumption. Indian brands were never short on creativity... what's changing is execution, consistency, and confidence to play on a global stage."
A third reaction simply stated, "Happy and proud to see Indian brands doing great not just in India but internationally."
The Bigger Picture
Kamath's observations point to a significant trend in global business. Indian brands are increasingly establishing themselves in premium international markets. They are doing this without compromising their cultural roots or design philosophy.
This development represents more than just successful exports. It shows Indian companies building genuine brand equity abroad. They are creating products that resonate with global consumers while maintaining their Indian essence.
The success stories Kamath highlighted demonstrate that Indian luxury brands can compete at the highest levels. They are carving out space in competitive markets like Dubai and New York. This marks a new chapter for Indian entrepreneurship on the world stage.
