MUMBAI, Feb. 26 -- Once dismissed as an "ugly" shoe, Crocs is now betting big on India. The American clog and sandal brand has made the country a top-six priority market globally, signalling its ambition to tap India's young and fast-growing consumer base.

"We have not disclosed our targets publicly, but India is prioritized as a Top 6 market for us globally," Anne Mehlman, executive vice-president and brand president for Crocs Inc., told Mint in an interview. "India may not be a Top 6 market for us by revenue today, but we believe it will be a Top 6 market for us long-term. It has.all of the factors for an outsize revenue opportunity."

Crocs has stepped up its presence in India with marketing campaigns aimed at younger consumers and hi...