India Emerges as a Global Leader in AI Skilling Amid Job Automation Fears

India is witnessing an unprecedented surge in artificial intelligence (AI) skilling, positioning the nation at the forefront of technological advancement. At the recent Mint AI Summit 2025 in Bengaluru, prominent voices from the tech industry, including Coursera's managing director for India and Asia Pacific, Raghav Gupta, highlighted the robust momentum in both individual and corporate investments in AI training.

A Wave of AI Skilling

During a panel discussion featuring leaders like Adecco Group’s India country manager Sunil Chemmankotil, RPA2AI Research CEO Kashyap Kompella, and upGrad Enterprise president Neeraj Gera, Gupta underscored the dynamic growth in AI education. He explained how companies are embracing the technology not only to improve productivity but also to safeguard employee roles. A remarkable example came from Coursera itself, where a well-trained customer service team has seen their productivity increase six- to eightfold due to the adoption of generative AI tools.

Moreover, global trust in AI is strong, with an Edelman Trust Institute report revealing that 68% of Indians are comfortable with businesses using the technology. This level of trust far exceeds that of Western nations such as the United States, Germany, and Australia. The confidence in AI has spurred discussions across boardrooms, with organizations actively exploring proof-of-concept projects and practical applications that enhance workplace efficiency.

Rising Concerns Over Job Automation

Despite the enthusiastic push towards AI skilling, significant apprehension remains regarding job automation. A 2024 study by IIM Ahmedabad indicated that 68% of white-collar workers in India fear that their roles might be partially or entirely substituted by AI within the next five years. Sunil Chemmankotil addressed the palpable unease during the summit, noting that broad discussions and research continue as industries grapple with the balance between innovation and job security.

Economists and industry experts alike are examining the evolving job landscape. Macrotrend analyses by the World Economic Forum suggest a nuanced future: by 2030, while 170 million jobs may be created, 92 million could be displaced, leaving a net gain of 78 million opportunities. In this uncertain terrain, Kashyap Kompella introduced his “4C framework” to evaluate the impact of AI on critical sectors such as content and marketing, customer service, coding, and consulting.

Charting a Policy-Driven Future

The transformative impact of AI has compelled policy debates at the highest levels. The Economic Survey 2024-2025 dedicates a section to addressing employment challenges in the AI era. Industry leaders like Neeraj Gera and Raghav Gupta stressed that while the private sector is actively engaging with AI-related growth, government intervention remains crucial, particularly in upskilling the workforce at the higher education level.

Gupta’s call for an AI readiness mission reflects the growing concern over educational gaps: many students and professionals lack access to training that aligns with contemporary technological demands. The panelists collectively argued for thoughtful policies that bridge this divide and prepare the nation's talent pool for an AI-integrated future.

Looking Ahead

India's dual narrative of rapid AI skilling and cautious optimism about job security paints a complex picture of technological progress. As companies and educational institutions prepare for an AI-driven era, government bodies are also under increasing pressure to design interventions that mitigate the risks of job displacement while harnessing the full potential of AI.

Through strategic planning and a commitment to continuous learning, India is set to not only lead in AI innovation but also create a resilient framework that supports sustained economic growth and workforce development in a digital future.