Dr Noour Ali
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping India’s socio-economic fabric at a dizzying pace. From farmers in Punjab using AI-driven crop prediction tools to tech professionals in Bengaluru collaborating with AI systems, the technology is no longer a distant concept—it’s here, transforming lives. With India’s AI market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25-35% (NASSCOM, 2023) and expected to add $500 billion to the economy by 2025 (McKinsey), the nation stands at a crossroads. Will AI displace jobs, or will it unlock unprecedented opportunities? The answer hinges on how India adapts and integrates AI into its ecosystem.
Agentic AI: A Collaborative Force, Not a Threat
Agentic AI—systems that act autonomously within set boundaries—is revolutionizing industries. Take healthcare, for instance. Mumbai-based startup Qure.ai leverages AI to analyze X-rays and CT scans, significantly reducing diagnostic delays in rural areas where medical professionals are scarce. In agriculture, Microsoft’s AI-powered “Sowing App” assists farmers in Andhra Pradesh by optimizing planting schedules based on weather predictions and soil conditions, resulting in a 30% increase in crop yields.
The impact of AI is also evident in India’s financial sector. Fintech companies like Paytm and Zerodha employ AI algorithms to detect fraudulent transactions, provide personalized financial advice, and enhance customer experience. Similarly, AI-driven chatbots are streamlining customer service across industries, enabling businesses to provide instant support while reducing operational costs.
Yet, challenges persist. A 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) report warns that 50% of India’s workforce will require reskilling by 2027 due to AI-driven disruptions. Jobs in data entry, basic customer service, and manufacturing are particularly vulnerable. Conversely, demand for AI specialists, data scientists, and robotics engineers is soaring, with job postings in these fields growing by 74% annually (Naukri.com). The key to overcoming these challenges lies in adopting an agentic mindset—one that embraces AI as a tool for growth rather than a threat.
Agentic Thinking: The Mindset for Survival
Agentic thinking—proactively adapting to AI’s evolution—is crucial for individuals and organizations alike. Companies like Hyderabad-based Zoho are setting an example by training employees in AI-powered tools to enhance productivity. Infosys’ “Springboard” initiative aims to equip 10 million learners with digital skills by 2025, ensuring that the workforce remains competitive in an AI-driven world.
At an individual level, upskilling has become essential. Platforms like upGrad, Coursera, and edX are witnessing a surge in AI-related course enrollments. In 2023 alone, enrollments in AI courses by Indians increased by 82%, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for continuous learning.
Kiran Sharma, a 32-year-old accountant from Delhi, is a testament to this shift. After her role was automated, she enrolled in IIT Madras’ online AI program and transitioned into a data analyst role at a fintech firm. “AI didn’t end my career—it redirected it,” she says. This highlights how embracing AI rather than fearing it can lead to new opportunities.
Jobs and Education: Bridging the Gap
While AI threatens to displace an estimated 69 million jobs globally by 2027 (WEF), it is also expected to create 97 million new ones, many of which will emerge in India’s growing tech sector. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) plans to hire 50,000 AI specialists by 2026, signaling the increasing demand for AI expertise. However, a significant skills gap persists—54% of Indian graduates lack employable skills, according to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022.
To address this, educational reforms are crucial. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has taken a step in the right direction by introducing AI and coding as part of the curriculum from Grade 6 onwards. Karnataka has integrated AI studies into public school curricula, setting a precedent for other states. Meanwhile, edtech startups like BYJU’S and Vedantu are leveraging AI-driven personalized learning models to reach over 150 million students, ensuring that education remains accessible and relevant in the digital age.
The Road Ahead: Policy and Inclusion
India’s National AI Strategy envisions the country as a global AI leader, with a focus on key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and smart mobility. However, ensuring inclusivity remains a challenge. According to a 2023 GSMA report, only 31% of rural women in India have access to the internet, highlighting the risk of a digital divide. Efforts to bridge this gap include AI literacy programs initiated by states like Kerala and the widespread availability of affordable internet through Reliance Jio, which has connected over 400 million Indians since 2016.
Another crucial aspect is regulatory policy. While AI presents immense opportunities, it also raises ethical and privacy concerns. The Indian government is working on an AI governance framework to ensure responsible AI development, focusing on transparency, accountability, and data protection. As AI-driven technologies become more pervasive, robust regulations will be necessary to safeguard citizens’ rights and prevent misuse.
Embrace or Be Left Behind
The AI revolution is not a dystopian future—it is a call to evolve. With 65% of its population under the age of 35, India has a unique advantage: a young, adaptable workforce that can drive AI-powered growth. By 2030, AI could contribute $1 trillion to India’s GDP (Accenture), but only if the nation embraces agentic thinking and prioritizes skill development.
Rishad Premji, Chairman of Wipro, aptly summarizes the transformation: “AI won’t replace humans, but humans using AI will replace those who don’t.” The future is not about humans versus machines; it is about 1.3 billion Indians harnessing AI to redefine progress. The question remains: Will you adapt, or will you resist? The answer will shape not just individual careers, but India’s destiny in the AI era.
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Note: Dr. Noour Ali Zehgeer is an international business leader with 29 years of expertise in global operations, telecom, and market expansion across the EMEA region.
