India is poised to become a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) talent, according to a joint report released by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and KPMG India.
The report, unveiled during the 16th FICCI Global Skills Summit 2025, outlines a comprehensive roadmap for India to emerge as a strategic exporter of AI talent, especially as countries like Germany, the UK, and the US face acute shortages in skilled AI professionals.
The study, titled “Next-Gen Skills for a Global Workforce: Enabling Youth and Empowering Economy,” highlights India’s demographic advantage, expanding digital infrastructure, and policy momentum as key enablers for this transformation.
Sectoral Shifts and Emerging AI Roles
The report identifies rapid AI-led transformation across sectors such as IT, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
These changes are creating demand for new roles including:
- AI Imaging Specialists
- Prompt Engineers
- Smart Grid Analysts
The global economy is transitioning from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, reshaping the nature of work.
India’s talent pool is well-positioned to meet the demands of this evolving landscape.
Only 26.1% of Indian youth currently participate in formal vocational training, according to the report. This highlights a substantial gap in skill development across the country.
Recommendations for Building an AI-Ready Workforce
To capitalize on this opportunity, the report proposes a multi-pronged strategy:
- Sector-Specific Skilling Frameworks: Align training programs with industry maturity and job roles.
- Modernization of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs): Integrate AI readiness into curricula and create clear pathways to higher education.
- Public–Private Investment in Skilling: Launch stackable credential programs and co-funded initiatives to accelerate learning.
- Localized AI Hubs: Establish skilling centers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to promote regional inclusion.
- Vernacular and Blended Learning: Use local languages and hybrid models to make AI education more accessible.
- Global Certification Standards: Align Indian training programs with international benchmarks to facilitate talent mobility.
- Ethical AI Adoption: Ensure inclusive representation and develop India-specific ethical standards for AI deployment.
Government Endorsement and Industry Perspective
The report was officially released by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education.
Speaking at the summit, Narayanan Ramaswamy, Partner and Head – Education and Skill Development at KPMG India, stated, “India stands at a critical inflection point.
He added, “With the largest youth population and a rapidly growing digital ecosystem, it is uniquely positioned to lead the global workforce transformation”.
Debabrata Ghosh, also from KPMG, emphasized the need to address challenges such as informality in employment, sectoral imbalances, and digital divides to fully realize India’s potential.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
