India is emerging as a global leader in adapting to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, particularly in the Global South, according to a new report by the Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC). The report, titled “Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering Skills in a Dynamic Global Labour Market,” highlights India’s proactive approach in upskilling and technological advancements.
India at the Forefront of Skill Development
The GLMC, a key initiative by the Saudi government, brought together ministers, academics, and industry experts from 150 countries to discuss the future of the labour market. Among the attendees were top representatives from India, including leaders from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and International Labour Organization (ILO) director-general Gilbert Houngbo.
According to the report, over 70% of Indian professionals are actively pursuing upskilling opportunities, positioning India as a frontrunner in technological adaptation. In comparison, many other nations are lagging in workforce readiness for automation and AI-driven transformations.
Confidence in Government Support for Upskilling
The study revealed that 31% of Indian professionals trust their government to support upskilling efforts—significantly higher than the global average of 20%. This figure is close to Saudi Arabia’s (35%) but far ahead of countries like the US (15%) and the UK (12%).
Urgency to Reskill and Future Job Security Concerns
A major concern for Indian professionals is the rapid evolution of technology. The report states that 55% of Indian workers fear their skills could become obsolete within the next five years. Similar concerns were echoed by 61% of professionals in Brazil and 60% in China. In contrast, only 44% in the UK and 43% in Australia felt the same urgency.
AI and Labour Market Disruptions Discussed at GLMC
The GLMC sessions focused on the impact of AI and automation on the global workforce. In his keynote speech, Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Minister Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi stressed the need for bold and proactive measures to address these emerging challenges. He announced the launch of the Global Labour Market Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with the World Bank, to assist policymakers in reforming labour markets worldwide.
India’s Workforce in West Asia and Climate Change’s Role
West Asian nations play a crucial role in India’s labour economy, hosting nearly nine million Indian expatriates. Saudi Arabia and the UAE alone accommodate three million Indian workers each, including professionals in IT, engineering, medicine, and construction.
Climate change has also been a key driver of upskilling in India, with 32% of respondents identifying it as a factor influencing their reskilling decisions in the coming years.
Challenges to Upskilling
Despite the push for skill development, lack of time (40%) and financial constraints (38%) remain the biggest barriers to upskilling in India. Similar challenges were reported in Brazil (43% and 39%, respectively) and South Africa (45% and 42%).
India’s Optimistic Approach to Automation
While automation remains a concern, only 26% of Indian respondents expressed anxiety about job losses due to AI. This is significantly lower than China (36%), which was identified as the “most technologically anxious” market.
India’s commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in the face of AI and automation is setting a benchmark for the Global South. With strong government support and a proactive workforce, the country is well-positioned to navigate the future of work successfully. However, addressing financial and time-related constraints in upskilling will be key to maintaining this momentum