Top 5 PR Agencies in India You Should Know About in 2026

The Indian communications landscape is evolving at a pace few industries can match. Brands today operate in a world of constant visibility, instant judgement, and shrinking tolerance for error. A single moment can elevate reputation or undo years of careful brand-building. In this environment, PR is no longer a support function. It has become central to business strategy, leadership credibility, and long-term relevance.

This is why organisations, ranging from large corporates to fast-growing challengers, are increasingly aligning with the top PR firms in India that combine strategic depth, cultural understanding, and crisis readiness. The top public relations agencies in India are no longer defined by press coverage alone, but by their ability to guide brands through complexity, scrutiny, and change.

As we look ahead to 2026, here are five leading communication powerhouses in India that brands should know about. These agencies, either distinct entities or specialized units operating within a unified network, are highlighted for their strategic capability, deep specialisation, and long-term reputation thinking.

1. Burson Group India

Burson Group India represents the coming together of decades of global communications expertise with deep local insight. Positioned as an integrated communications powerhouse, Burson Group India supports organisations across reputation management, public affairs, digital strategy, corporate communications, crisis management, and brand storytelling.

What sets Burson Group India apart is its ability to work seamlessly across business stages and sectors. Established enterprises benefit from its scale, intelligence, and risk expertise, while growing brands gain access to global thinking typically reserved for industry leaders.

As one of the top PR firms in India, Burson Group India stands out for its ability to combine strategy, creativity, and data-driven insight under one unified approach—making it a trusted partner for brands navigating complexity.

2. Burson Genesis

Burson Genesis has played a defining role in shaping India’s public relations industry. Known for its strong point of view on reputation, values, and leadership communication, the agency has built a reputation for managing high-stakes narratives with clarity and conviction.

Burson Genesis specialises in integrated communications that bring together corporate reputation, digital engagement, public affairs, and creative storytelling. Its strength lies in helping organisations articulate who they are, what they stand for, and how they respond under pressure.

For brands seeking long-term reputational capital rather than short-term attention, Burson Genesis continues to be regarded among the top public relations agencies in India, especially when credibility and consistency matter most.

3. Hill & Knowlton India

Hill & Knowlton India has built its reputation around transformation-led communication. As part of a global network, the agency brings international best practices to Indian brands dealing with change, whether through expansion, regulatory shifts, sustainability commitments, or leadership transitions.

What distinguishes Hill & Knowlton India is its strong focus on risk management and preparedness. The agency is particularly well-regarded for helping organisations anticipate issues, manage reputational threats, and communicate responsibly during moments of uncertainty.

With its emphasis on ESG, public policy, and long-term reputation strategy, Hill & Knowlton India firmly ranks among the top PR agencies in India for organisations operating in complex, highly scrutinised environments.

4. GCI Health India

Healthcare communication demands precision, empathy, and deep subject-matter expertise. GCI Health India addresses this need as a specialised healthcare communications agency within the Burson network.

Globally recognised for turning healthcare innovation into real-world understanding and impact, GCI Health brings a people-first approach to communication which means treating patients, caregivers, doctors, policymakers, and employees as distinct audiences with unique perspectives.

In India’s fast-growing healthcare, wellness, and life sciences sectors, GCI Health India stands out for its ability to simplify complex medical narratives while maintaining scientific and ethical rigour. This specialisation positions it among the top PR firms in India within the healthcare and wellness domain.

5. Step Up

Step Up represents a newer, more agile approach to communications, designed specifically for organisations operating in high-growth, high-pressure environments. As a dedicated unit within Burson, Step Up applies enterprise-level strategic thinking to brands that need speed, clarity, and flexibility.

What makes Step Up distinctive is its deep understanding of emerging business realities—limited resources, evolving business models, investor scrutiny, and heightened reputational risk. The team focuses on what matters most: clear storytelling, disciplined media engagement, and early-stage crisis readiness.

By combining Burson’s strategic depth with a lean, tailored approach, Step Up demonstrates how the top PR agencies in India are evolving to meet the needs of modern organisations, not just established giants.

What Sets the Top PR Agencies in India Apart Today

Across these five agencies, a few common traits define leadership in 2026:

• Strategic counsel over tactical execution

• Deep sector specialisation rather than generalist positioning

• Strong crisis preparedness and reputation management

• Integration of data, digital intelligence, and storytelling

• Ability to adapt communication strategies as businesses evolve

These qualities are what differentiate the top PR firms in India from agencies focused solely on visibility metrics.

Conclusion

As brands face increasing scrutiny from consumers, regulators, employees, and investors, the role of PR has expanded far beyond media relations. The top 5 PR agencies in India for 2026 are those that understand reputation as a long-term asset—one that must be built, protected, and evolved with intention.