During a recent visit to Mumbai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella spoke at the “CEO Connection” event, where he shared his insights on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in India and its impact on the job market. Nadella’s visit, centered around AI, highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to empowering India through technology, especially in leveraging AI across various sectors.
Nadella expressed confidence in India’s ability to manage AI-driven transformations, emphasizing the potential for AI to power significant portions of the Indian economy. He pointed out that major Indian companies are rapidly adopting AI technologies, indicating a positive trajectory for the country’s digital transformation.
One of the key announcements made by Nadella during his visit was Microsoft’s ambitious plan to skill over 2 million Indians in AI by 2025. This initiative aims to address the talent gap in the AI sector and prepare the workforce for the evolving technological landscape. By focusing on AI literacy and skills development, Microsoft seeks to mitigate potential job losses and ensure that the Indian workforce remains competitive on a global scale.
Nadella also discussed the importance of collaboration between India and the US in framing regulations for AI, suggesting that a cooperative approach could lead to more effective governance of AI technologies. He highlighted the need for policies that encourage innovation while managing the risks associated with AI, including job displacement.
The Microsoft CEO’s visit underscored the company’s vision to be a “co-pilot” for India’s AI journey, supporting the country’s efforts to create and export AI products across sectors. This partnership is seen as a crucial step in harnessing the potential of AI for economic growth, societal benefit, and global leadership in technology.