India’s AI Revolution: From Cricket to Temple Festivals, AI is Transforming How India Thinks, Plays, and Protects
The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, and India is no exception. The country’s IT majors, including TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and HCLTech, have been at the forefront of this revolution. In the first quarter of FY 2025-26, these companies delivered mixed results, with pockets of strong deal wins and a growing emphasis on AI offering glimmers of hope. However, persistent macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly in key Western markets, continue to translate into cautious client spending and a generally subdued revenue growth trajectory.
The Silent Revolution in AI Adoption
While most AI innovation has been aimed at the customer, a silent revolution is unfolding internally. India’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $345 billion by FY30, as per a report by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). As the industry scales rapidly, so does the pressure behind the scenes. Seasonal sales bring in an avalanche of demand, and with it, a deluge of employee queries, tech issues, and HR chaos. The need for efficient employee management and customer support has led to the adoption of AI-powered tools, improving productivity and reducing operational costs.
The Emphasis on Large Deal Wins and Strategic Investments
The Q1 FY26 results from India’s IT majors paint a picture of resilience in a challenging global landscape. While revenue growth remains largely subdued across the board, the emphasis on large deal wins, cost efficiencies, and strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies like GenAI is a common thread. The industry is clearly in a transitional phase, where the initial hype around AI is beginning to translate into tangible client engagements, albeit with a lag in top-line impact.
The Role of AI in Fair Play and Competition
This silent understanding poses a unique problem for India as AI integrates deeper into our daily lives and economy. We want to embrace the benefits of AI but we also need to ensure fair play in our markets. The proposed Digital India Act and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) are taking steps to regulate AI, ensuring a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumer interests. The approach of targeted competition rules will interact significantly with other broader AI regulations being contemplated for India. For example, if broader AI regulations mandate a certain level of explainability for high-risk AI systems (akin to the Chinese approach), this directly aids the CCI in its efforts to promote fair competition.
Conclusion
India’s AI revolution is transforming the way the country thinks, plays, and protects. While there are challenges to be addressed, the potential benefits of AI adoption are undeniable. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure fair play in our markets and promote a level playing field for businesses. The proposed Digital India Act and the Competition Commission of India are taking steps in the right direction. As we move forward, it is crucial to strike a balance between embracing the benefits of AI and ensuring that its adoption is fair, transparent, and accountable.
Originally published on https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-ai-tracker-from-cricket-to-temple-festivals-ai-is-transforming-how-india-thinks-plays-protects-3920263/
