🌐 AI & Jobs: Infosys Co-founder Nandan Nilekani on India’s AI-Driven Future
Infosys co-founder and chairman Nandan Nilekani remains optimistic about India’s AI-powered transformation, highlighting affordability, government initiatives, and adaptability as key factors shaping the country’s leadership in artificial intelligence.
While acknowledging AI’s impact on employment, Nilekani believes that the shift will create new opportunities rather than eliminate jobs entirely.
🧠 AI’s Impact on Jobs & the Workforce
In a conversation with MoneyControl, Nilekani stated:
💡 “Some jobs will be affected—certain tasks will be automated—but very few will disappear entirely. AI will enhance productivity and create roles we haven’t even imagined yet.”
He emphasized that human collaboration remains irreplaceable, stating:
🔗 “You can have all the AIs in the world, but if you can’t get five people to work together and collaborate, then you cannot go anywhere.”
📌 Skills for an AI-Driven Future
Instead of relying solely on technical skills, which may become outdated, Nilekani stressed the importance of adaptability and first-principles thinking—a skill AI cannot replicate.
🛠️ “AI follows a mechanistic approach. The ability to break down problems using first principles is something AI cannot do,” he explained.
🌍 India’s AI Potential & Strategic Approach
Highlighting China’s AI startup DeepSeek as proof that AI models don’t require billion-dollar investments, Nilekani believes India can develop powerful AI solutions at lower costs.
🔎 “Would I spend a billion dollars on a large language model? No. But if I can develop one for $50 million, sure,” he noted, underlining how AI development is becoming more affordable.
🚀 Scaling AI for National Growth
Nilekani sees education and agriculture as key areas where AI can drive large-scale transformation. With the India AI Mission accelerating progress, he envisions AI’s integration at a population-wide scale.
📢 “The real challenge is applying AI at scale. That’s the direction we need to take,” he emphasized.
With AI becoming cheaper, more accessible, and backed by government initiatives, India is well-positioned to lead the next wave of AI-driven innovation across industries.
