India Among Highest-Priority Markets for Oracle NetSuite as Small Businesses Adopt AI and Cloud

India has emerged as one of Oracle NetSuite's highest-priority markets, according to a senior company executive. Amit Suxena, group vice president and head of Asia at Oracle NetSuite, stated that small Indian businesses, particularly those operating outside major metropolitan areas, are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure to scale their operations across state borders and into international markets.

Speaking on the sidelines of Oracle AI World, Suxena noted that business momentum in India has steadily increased over the past four to five years. He highlighted that India's young population provides a distinct structural advantage, as the workforce is largely native to cloud and AI technologies rather than being burdened by older legacy systems seen in some mature economies.

According to Suxena, technology is actively narrowing the operational gap between smaller firms and large corporations. Historically, the vast majority of small organizations in India remained localized to the cities where they were founded. However, modern business management platforms are enabling these enterprises to expand their geographic footprint.

Previously, only large companies possessed the specialized teams required to research new markets, assess state-level rules and regulations, evaluate market entry or exit strategies, and manage financial volatility such as currency fluctuations. Suxena pointed out that small businesses can now utilize AI tools to handle these complex administrative tasks.

Despite this momentum, tier-2 cities represent the company's largest growth opportunity while also presenting distinct challenges. Suxena noted that cost concerns frequently hold back small traders and entrepreneurs in these regions. Many business owners outside major metros lag in technology adoption because they fear it will be prohibitively expensive or complex. Oracle NetSuite aims to demonstrate that AI adoption is accessible and manageable for these enterprises.

Beyond tier-2 cities, the company remains bullish on several sectors in India, including software services, chartered accountancy, insurance, manufacturing, retail, and food and beverage.

Addressing data security and operational risks surrounding artificial intelligence, Suxena emphasized that strict controls remain critical for organizations. He noted that NetSuite incorporates built-in rules at every step of the process to ensure business owners retain absolute control over actions taken by AI agents on their behalf.

Comparing the current technological shift to the adoption of cloud computing 28 years ago, Suxena cautioned that companies clinging to older on-premises systems risk falling behind competitors. He advised businesses to adopt AI promptly to capture growth opportunities and navigate market dynamics effectively.

"The rapid adoption of cloud and artificial intelligence by small businesses in tier-2 and tier-3 cities highlights a fundamental shift in the Indian business landscape. Technology is successfully leveling the playing field, allowing regional enterprises to overcome traditional geographical and structural barriers. For technology providers, focusing on affordability and ease of use will be critical to unlocking the massive potential in non-metro markets." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes