Jan 9 (Reuters) - Tata Starbucks, a joint venture between Starbucks and Tata Consumer Products, said on Tuesday it plans to operate 1,000 cafes in India by 2028, up from 390 currently, and double its workforce amid fierce competition from local chains.

The coffee chain said it plans to enter Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in tea-loving India and increase the number of its drive-thru, airport-based and 24-hour cafes.

It also plans to double its headcount to 8,600.

Among the first foreign coffee brands to enter India, the U.S. giant faces growing challenges from private equity-backed chains Third Wave and Blue Tokai which have opened about 150 stores between them in the last three years. (Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)