UNDP report hails India's emergence as AI powerhouse

India’s success in AI is not just about building skills but also about retaining talent, with 20% of AI researchers now staying domestically (up from near zero in 2019), the report noted.

In a major endorsement of India’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has said that the country has taken remarkable strides in deploying AI to empower farmers, small businesses and global tech collaboration.

In its recent report, titled "A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI", UNDP said that India has the highest self-reported AI skills penetration in the world, a testament to the country’s growing potential in the sector.

With over 5 million software developers  - roughly the population of Ireland - India is poised to see continued growth in AI, it noted.

The report also mentioned how AI is being effectively integrated into critical sectors like healthcare and agriculture.

“Preventive care and early disease detection can be augmented through AI-powered technology. AI-assisted radiologists interpret chest X-rays for tuberculosis, mammograms to detect breast cancer and nodules in lung cancer patients in countries as diverse as India, Japan and the United States.”

It said that India's robust digital public infrastructure has played a key role in accelerating AI use across sectors. “Digital public infrastructure can speed up the use of AI … In India, AI is helping farmers get real-time support, including access to insurance and subsidies in their local languages - something that depends on combining many different data sources.”

The country is also making efforts to support its AI research ecosystem. The report noted that “India plans to set up a common compute facility to support AI development, including among researchers and startups.”

The infrastructure is expected to strengthen India’s innovation capabilities and foster inclusive growth, according to the report.

India’s success in AI is not just about building skills but also about retaining talent, with 20 percent of AI researchers now staying domestically (up from near zero in 2019), the report noted.

However, it also cautioned that “systematic gaps in compute, data and institutional support drive net losses, as skilled workers migrate to higher income countries.”

Beyond technology, India’s gig workforce has played a role in shaping ethical AI practices. “These efforts culminated in the largest nationwide labour action by female gig workers working with Urban Company in India to resist algorithmic management practices and account deactivations.”

The report drew parallels with global movements, noting how Indian domestic workers have used digital tools like WhatsApp and Facebook to “share information and opportunities, request assistance, vent their frustrations and reclaim a sense of dignity.”

The UNDP also underscored the importance of government participation across multiple roles. “Governments can be partners, regulators and competitors, sometimes simultaneously and in different ways.”