Archive · 8 Oct 2026
World Bank Says India Is Among Top AI-Ready Emerging Markets
The World Bank says India is among the emerging markets best prepared for artificial intelligence.
One ranking placed India 10th, although the articles do not give that ranking in every account.
Investment in Indian AI grew to USD 4.1 billion in 2025 from USD 1.2 billion the year before.
More people also worked at Global Capability Centres, and companies posted more jobs asking for AI skills.
But in April 2025, only 4% of Indian internet users said they used ChatGPT.
The World Bank says AI could help workers, businesses and public services.
It also says no one yet knows all the long-term effects on jobs and the economy.
The report recommends improving infrastructure and skills, helping smaller businesses use AI, and protecting data.
It also encourages AI tools adapted to local needs.
The World Bank says India ranks among the top 10 emerging-market performers in AI readiness; one report gives it 10th place with a score of 23.8.
India’s private AI investment more than tripled, reaching USD 4.1 billion in 2025 from USD 1.2 billion in 2024.
Global Capability Centre employment grew to 2.36 million professionals in 2025, up from 1.9 million a year earlier.
AI-related job postings rose from about 2.2% in November 2022 to 6% in April 2025, while 4% of Indian internet users reported using ChatGPT in April 2025.
The World Bank recommends better infrastructure, skills, business conditions and access to AI, while noting that AI’s long-term economic and labour-market effects remain uncertain.
- Who
- The World Bank assessed India’s AI readiness; Paul Procee and Franziska Ohnsorge commented on the findings.
- What
- The World Bank reported that India is among the top 10 emerging-market performers in AI readiness and that private AI investment more than tripled in 2025.
- When
- The World Bank announcement was reported on Tuesday; cited investment figures compare 2025 with 2024, and AI use and job-posting data extend to April 2025.
- Where
- India, with the report also discussing AI adoption and economic prospects across South Asia.
- Why
- The report considers how AI could support productivity, exports and public services, and what measures could help wider adoption.
Potential benefits
Uncertainty and adoption barriers
AI’s development impact
Potential benefits
The World Bank says AI could boost productivity, expand export opportunities and improve public services.
Uncertainty and adoption barriers
The report says AI’s long-term economic and labour-market effects remain uncertain.
Readiness and actual use
Potential benefits
India is among the top 10 emerging-market performers in AI readiness, with rising investment and demand for AI skills.
Uncertainty and adoption barriers
Only 4% of Indian internet users reported using ChatGPT in April 2025, and the report identifies foundational gaps and adoption barriers, particularly for small firms.
- Report
- India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity
- AI readiness
- India is among the top 10 emerging-market performers; one article reports 10th place and a score of 23.8.
- Private AI investment
- USD 4.1 billion in 2025, compared with USD 1.2 billion in 2024.
- Global Capability Centre employment
- 2.36 million professionals in 2025, up from 1.9 million a year earlier.
- AI-related job postings
- About 2.2% of postings in November 2022 and 6% in April 2025.
- ChatGPT use
- 4% of Indian internet users reported using ChatGPT in April 2025.
- South Asia growth projection
- The South Asia Economic Update projects 6.9% growth in 2026.
- Recommended measures
- Improve infrastructure, workforce skills, business conditions and AI access; support local innovation and safeguard data security and privacy.
Sources
India is among the top 10 leading emerging-market performers in AI readiness
India Among Top 10 Emerging AI-Ready Markets. How Much Investment It Pulls
India among top 10 emerging markets in AI readiness; private AI investment triples: World Bank
