India leads in AI and workforce upskilling

India is taking centrestage in the AI and technology revolution. The report reveals that over 70% of Indian professionals are actively pursuing opportunities to upskill, setting the country apart as a global leader in workforce readiness amidst rapid technological advancements.

Indian workers exhibit notable trust in government and private sector support for upskilling, with 31% confident in government initiatives and 49% relying on business-led efforts. This contrasts sharply with lower trust levels in developed nations like the US (15%) and the UK (12%), emphasising India’s proactive public-private collaboration in workforce development.

Around 55% of Indian respondents fear that AI and automation may render their skills obsolete within five years, underscoring the urgency for reskilling. Environmental concerns also play a unique role, with 32% citing climate change as a significant driver for acquiring new skills, aligning India with other emerging economies like China (41%).

Despite strong interest, barriers such as time constraints (40%) and financial limitations (38%) hinder reskilling efforts in India, reflecting challenges similar to those faced in Brazil and South Africa.

In terms of skill demand, India emphasises STEM capabilities (38%) and cognitive skills (54%), essential for navigating an AI-driven future. Interestingly, Indian workers remain optimistic about automation, with only 26% fearing job losses to machines, a sentiment significantly lower than in China (36%).

India’s leadership in embracing AI and automation, along with its commitment to skill development, positions it as a key player in the global labour market transformation. The upcoming GLMC in Riyadh in January 2025 will further explore these findings.