India Poised for AI Transformation, Ranks Among Top 10 Countries in AI Readiness, Says Report
New Delhi: India is now among the top ten countries globally in terms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness, with vast potential to transform the public sector, according to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report, based on data from 73 economies, highlights India’s strong position in AI, ranking second in AI specialists and third in research publications.
AI readiness refers to a country’s ability to effectively implement and integrate AI across various sectors, and the report indicates that India is well-positioned to harness AI’s potential for sectoral transformation, especially in agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Key sectors where AI could drive efficiency and innovation include business services, retail, agriculture, and construction, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. AI could help streamline government operations, improve public distribution systems, and boost agricultural productivity, among other uses.
However, the report also points out that over 70% of the studied economies lag behind in critical areas such as ecosystem participation, skills, and research. BCG’s India leader for Technology and Digital Advantage Practice, Saibal Chakraborty, emphasized that India’s journey toward becoming an AI leader reflects its growing focus on integrating AI into high-priority sectors to enhance public sector performance.
To fully realize AI’s potential, the report calls for investments in infrastructure, AI research hubs, workforce training, and regulatory frameworks to address ethical AI use and mitigate bias. It also highlights the need for public-private collaborations to foster innovation.
With a multi-pronged approach and decisive policymaking, India can harness AI to drive productivity, job creation, and competitiveness, said Aparna Bharadwaj, Managing Director at BCG, urging policymakers to act swiftly in preparing for an AI-driven future.
