World Bank ranks India among top emerging markets for artificial intelligence readiness

India ranks among the top ten emerging markets for artificial intelligence readiness, driven by a large technical workforce, a globally integrated IT sector, and digital public infrastructure, according to a World Bank report released on Tuesday.

Investments and Employment

Private investment in artificial intelligence in the country more than tripled to four point one billion US dollars in twenty-twenty-five from one point two billion US dollars in twenty-twenty-four, the World Bank said in its report titled 'India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity'. Employment for professionals in Global Capability Centres increased to two point three six million in twenty-twenty-five from one point nine million in the previous year.

Recommendations and Leadership

Paul Procee, World Bank Acting Country Director for India, stated that using artificial intelligence as a development tool can boost productivity and improve public services. The report called for cross-cutting policy measures to improve infrastructure, enhance labour capacity, and broaden access to the technology. Franziska Ohnsorge, World Bank Group Chief Economist for Asia, noted that adoption can transform the region's development trajectory by boosting labour productivity and expanding export opportunities, provided governments address foundational gaps.

Context

Global Capability Centres are offshore units set up by multinational companies to handle core business operations, research, and technology tasks in countries like India. The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and advice to developing countries to support economic growth and reduce poverty.