As artificial intelligence reshapes economies and societies, India is emerging as a global leader in AI adoption—balancing rapid innovation with the need for ethics, regulation, and responsible governance
Our Bureau
New Delhi
India’s embrace of artificial intelligence is moving at record speed. According to Adobe’s new report “From Assistants to Agents: The AI Evolution in India,” one in three Indians already use agentic AI systems—tools capable of interpreting intent, making decisions, and acting autonomously—while another 44 per cent plan to do so within the next year. This places India ahead of most Asia-Pacific countries, where only 28 per cent use AI and 38 per cent plan to adopt it soon.
The findings underline a profound transformation underway in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies. From online shopping and travel bookings to finance and education, AI is becoming part of daily life, reshaping how Indians live, work, and interact with technology.
“AI assistants are no longer experimental tools—they’re becoming indispensable digital companions,” said Prativa Mohapatra, Vice President and Managing Director of Adobe India. “India is moving fast from assistants that summaries and draft to AI agents that compare choices, surface the best deals, and complete approved purchases. Consumers now expect AI that not only assists but also acts.”
The Adobe study, which surveyed more than 2,000 Indians, found that AI adoption is growing across all age groups. Millennials lead the charge with 36 per cent using AI assistants daily, followed by Gen Z and Gen X at 28 per cent each. Around 83 per cent of consumers use AI for personal tasks—whether for writing, translation, or creative work—while 72 per cent integrate it into their professional routines.
AI’s penetration into everyday life is reflected in how Indians now shop, bank, and travel. Nearly three-fourths of consumers (73 per cent) rely on AI to guide shopping decisions, while 66 per cent use it for product comparisons. In travel, 92 per cent of respondents said they use AI for itinerary planning and budgeting, and 91 per cent are comfortable letting AI book their trips automatically.
In finance, too, AI has gained deep traction. Almost half of those surveyed have used AI to learn complex concepts or track market trends, while 62 per cent said they rely on it for personalized investment advice. These trends signal not only rising trust in digital systems but also a shift toward AI-driven consumer behavior.
India’s corporate sector is adapting quickly to this AI wave. Startups and established firms alike are leveraging machine learning for customer insights, fraud detection, and product innovation. Tech hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram are witnessing a boom in AI-led entrepreneurship.
Generative and agentic AI systems are increasingly being used to automate logistics, analyse massive datasets, and deliver personalized marketing at scale. The government’s IndiaAI Mission—a national strategy launched earlier this year—aims to build a strong AI ecosystem through public-private partnerships, local data infrastructure, and talent development across smaller cities.
Industry experts believe India’s vast digital population and affordable data access have given it a unique edge in scaling AI solutions. “India’s AI adoption is not just top-down—it’s people-driven,” said a senior NASSCOM executive. “From small traders using AI chatbots to farmers analyzing crop data through voice assistants, it’s a transformation happening across social layers.”
But with opportunity comes responsibility. The rapid expansion of AI tools has raised concerns about privacy, algorithmic bias, misinformation, and job displacement. India’s policymakers are therefore walking a tightrope—encouraging innovation while ensuring citizen protection.
France’s Special Envoy for Artificial Intelligence, Anne Bouverot, praised India’s approach to AI governance during her visit to New Delhi. “In France, we place a high value on protecting personal data and privacy, but we also want to foster innovation,” she said. “We see the same spirit in India—balancing innovation and regulation to protect citizens, children, and workers.”
Her comments come as both nations deepen cooperation on AI ethics, regulation, and accountability. India and France are preparing for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be the first global AI summit held in the Global South. The event, to be hosted in New Delhi in February, aims to translate high-level commitments into concrete global frameworks for AI safety, fairness, and transparency.
India’s approach to AI governance is pragmatic rather than restrictive. While countries like the US and EU focus on heavy regulatory frameworks, India has chosen an adaptive path—building ethical guardrails while allowing innovation to flourish. The government has emphasized “trustworthy AI,” highlighting fairness, accountability, and inclusivity as guiding principles.
By taking this middle path, India is positioning itself as a model for emerging economies navigating the same dilemma: how to harness AI’s benefits without amplifying its risks. The upcoming summit in New Delhi will also showcase India’s growing influence in shaping the global digital agenda, especially for the Global South.
