India ranks 2nd globally in AI specialists

India has emerged as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), ranking second worldwide in AI specialists and third in research publications, according to a new report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report draws on data from 73 economies and highlights India’s significant strides in AI development, including a robust foundation in AI-related patents.

The report also underscores India’s strong position in AI readiness, which refers to an economy’s ability to implement and integrate AI across sectors effectively. India is among the top ten nations in this category, demonstrating its potential for transformation, particularly in the public sector.

AI’s integration into key areas like agriculture, healthcare, and education could revolutionise the country’s services and infrastructure. The report shows that AI applications in business services, retail, agriculture, construction, and public services could enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and reduce waste.

India’s economy stands to benefit from AI in multiple ways, with sectors like agriculture (17% of GDP), retail (10%), and public services (6%) showing considerable promise for AI-driven improvements. However, realising this potential will require investment in infrastructure, research, and workforce training, especially in rural areas.