New Delhi. There has been a big achievement for India in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The World Bank on Tuesday said India is among the top 10 leading emerging markets in terms of preparedness for AI. According to the bank, the country has a strong base to take advantage of this technology.
Tech Workforce and Digital Infra Strength of India
India's AI potential has been assessed in the World Bank's new report 'India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity'. According to the report, India's large tech workforce, globally integrated IT sector and digital public infrastructure make the country well-positioned to take advantage of AI.
According to the World Bank, private investment in the AI sector in India has also increased rapidly. There was private investment of $ 1.2 billion in 2024, which will increase more than three times to $ 4.1 billion in 2025.
Number of professionals also increased in GCC
The report also mentions the increase in the number of professionals associated with the Global Competence Center (GCC). A year ago this number was 19 lakh, which will increase to 23.6 lakh in 2025.
However, the World Bank has cautioned that there remains uncertainty about the long-term impact of AI on the economy and labor market.
Emphasis on broadening the benefits of AI
The World Bank has expressed the need to take policy steps at many levels to ensure that the benefits of AI reach as many people as possible. These include strengthening the infrastructure required for AI, improving the business environment, increasing access to AI, and developing workforce capacity.
Paul Prosi, Acting Country Director of the World Bank for India, said that India is among the top 10 leading emerging markets in terms of AI preparedness. According to him, if AI is used not only as a technology but as a tool for development, it can become an effective medium for increasing productivity and improving public services.
South Asia's growth may be 6.9% in 2026
'India Development Update' is a companion report to the World Bank Group's 'South Asia Economic Update'. In this, the economic growth and prospects of South Asia have been reviewed.
According to the report, the economic growth of South Asia is estimated to be 6.9 percent in 2026. With this, South Asia will remain the fastest growing region in the world.
Advice on adopting AI according to local needs
The World Bank says that most countries in South Asia can get the biggest benefit from AI by adopting and adapting it to their local conditions. It also includes 'Small AI' applications suitable for areas with limited resources.
World Bank Group Chief Economist (Asia) Franziska Ohnsorge said AI could transform South Asia's development by increasing labor productivity, expanding export opportunities, and improving the delivery of public services.
However, he said that to realize these benefits, governments will have to address the fundamental shortcomings and barriers to AI adoption.
Recommendation to improve skills and infrastructure
The 'India Development Update' recommends strengthening the skills of the workforce, creating a business-friendly environment and improving physical and digital infrastructure.
Also read: Small businesses will get a big boost! Modi cabinet approved SME growth fund of Rs 10,000 crore