Infosys, Tata are India's thought leaders

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Indian IT major Infosys and business conglomerate Tata have beaten many global 'western' brands like Google, Nokia and Facebook and also Indian names such as Maruti-Suzuki, State Bank of India and Hindustan-Unilever to emerge as the top two brands in the country.

According to TLG's index of emerging market 'Thought Leaders', done in partnership with research consultancy firm GlobeScan, seven out of the top ten brands in India were indigenous firms.

While Google India came third, Nokia is in the sixth position and Facebook eighth. Indian telecom services giant Bharti Airtel Limited is in the 13th position.

Apple absent from top 200

“One of the most eye-catching results is the absence of Apple from the Top 20. The Californian tech group, which came top in TLG’s most recent Thought Leaders’ reports in Britain and the United States, only managed 40th place in the India index,” said the study.

It added, “Commentators have blamed Apple's inability to crack India on its failure to adapt its business model to local tastes and budgets. Indian consumers can buy a new Tata Nano car for the same price as three Apple iPhones!”

“Western firms that succeed are those that adapt their models to local conditions, or ones that form JVs with locals in the driving seat,” the report said, adding, “For example, Google, through its YouTube platform, streams live Indian Premier League cricket matches. Facebook offers mobile access for a special rate of 1 rupee a day.”

The Western brands need to watch out... Self-confident Indians place seven local champions in their Top 10, said the study.

“Our research shows that Thought Leaders in emerging and developed markets enjoy similar benefits, principally being the most trusted and admired companies in their sector. So the absence of many ‘western’ major brands from the top 20 may concern CEOs who are trying to crack the BRICs. They need to refocus their energies on telling their leadership story,” said Malcolm Gooderham, Founder, TLG.