Starbucks Chairman & CEO Brian Niccol has identified India as a crucial market in the company's global growth strategy. The coffee giant plans to expand its presence by opening new stores, including its 500th in India. Operating through a joint venture with Tata Consumer Products, Starbucks aims to cater to diverse Indian customer needs and foster a long-term coffee culture, believing there is ample space for both independent stores and chains to thrive alongside its own expansion.