The Transformative Impact of AI on India’s Future

Insights from Sunil Bharti Mittal at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is heralded as a generational shift, generating impacts that are far more significant than those of the internet. This statement was made by Sunil Bharti Mittal, the chairman of Bharti Enterprises, during his address at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025.

Mittal emphasized that AI influences nearly every aspect of our lives, particularly highlighting its role in reshaping employment dynamics in India. With its burgeoning young workforce, the nation is in a uniquely vulnerable yet opportunistic position.

Challenges in Employment

During his presentation, Mittal pointed out the challenges posed by AI in sectors such as software engineering. He noted the rising trend where even non-technical individuals can now interact with machines to write code, potentially impacting traditional job roles.

“India has the largest, youngest workforce in the world,” Mittal stated. “Currently, there are about 20 million children between the ages of six to sixteen. In ten years, they will transition to the workforce, with each seeking employment. The difficulties AI introduces in this context are already becoming evident.”

Opportunities for Growth

Despite the challenges, Mittal believes AI will also pave the way for new job opportunities. “Utilizing AI will become crucial for everyone, particularly in emerging markets like India,” he added, providing a balanced perspective on AI’s implications.

He highlighted that while the Indian industry is committed to advancing national progress, governmental support is vital to eliminate bottlenecks and expedite the country’s developmental trajectory.

Industry’s Wish List

Mittal outlined an “industry wish list” for the government that includes reforms in Ease of Doing Business, GST, and corporate taxation. He is optimistic that addressing these key areas will create a more conducive environment for growth.

Demographic Advantages

Mittal took the opportunity to underscore India’s demographic advantage, especially as other developed nations grapple with aging populations and rising immigration constraints.

“Industry and academia must engage beyond superficial collaborations to develop a workforce that is globally competitive and ready for job demands,” he urged. Emerging fields such as AI, green energy, space communication, and next-gen telecom require urgent collaborative efforts.

Investment in R&D

Mittal expressed concern over India’s investment in research and development, which currently stands at less than 1% of its GDP. He called upon industry leaders to increase their investments in deep tech and innovation.

“Our large domestic market offers scale, but we also need intellectual leadership to enhance our R&D endeavors confidently,” he noted.

Need for a Trade Reset

Additionally, Mittal proposed a trade reset, advocating for a strategic shift in India’s trade and export policies. He stressed the importance of diversifying the export basket.

“We must focus on products and services that have global demand. No raw material should leave our shores without being value-added,” stressed Mittal, reinforcing the need for strategic economic adjustments.

Conclusion

As AI continues to evolve, its influence on employment, economic frameworks, and international trade in India will be profound. The insights shared by Sunil Bharti Mittal at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 highlight the need for proactive measures from both the government and industry leaders to navigate this transformative era effectively.

Questions and Answers

1. What is AI being compared to in terms of its impact?

   AI is compared to the internet and is said to have an even greater generational impact.

2. What challenges does Mittal highlight regarding AI?

   Mittal points out challenges in employment, particularly in software engineering and the potential job displacement for skilled roles.

3. How does Mittal view the role of government in tackling these issues?

   He believes that governmental support is crucial to remove obstacles and facilitate the nation’s development journey.

4. What does Mittal say about India’s demographic advantage?

   He emphasizes that India’s large, young workforce is a significant asset, especially compared to aging populations in developed nations.

5. What area did Mittal stress for increased investment?

   Mittal urged for greater investment in research and development, noting India’s current spending is below 1% of its GDP.

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