Indian companies lead in AI adoption, but lag in expertise: Report - Business Standard

2026-03-22 · Source: artifical intelligence via Google News · Field: Business & Management — Corporate Strategy & Leadership, Operations & Process Management, Project & Product Management · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The "State of AI in the Enterprise" report for 2026 by Deloitte reveals that Indian firms are leading global peers in large-scale AI adoption, with 40% reporting significant or full usage compared to a 28% global average. This widespread deployment is evident across Product Development (62%), Strategy and Operations (56%), Marketing & Sales (55%), and Supply Chain (48%). Despite this rapid integration, India faces a significant capability gap, with only 0-4% of companies possessing high AI expertise, below the global average of 2-8%. Regulatory and compliance demands (39%) and resistance to change (34%) are the primary obstacles, rather than cost or infrastructure. Indian organizations overwhelmingly expect productivity improvements, with 97% anticipating an increase, and 94% expect their AI budgets to grow in the next year.

Key takeaway

For VPs of Engineering or Data leading AI initiatives, your focus should shift from technology access to building institutional AI capability and strengthening governance. Given India's lead in adoption but lag in expertise, prioritize upskilling your teams and establishing robust regulatory compliance frameworks to convert early AI gains into sustained competitive advantage and mitigate integration obstacles.

Key insights

Indian enterprises lead in AI adoption but lag in expertise, facing governance and change management challenges.

Principles

• AI adoption drives growth and efficiency.
• Expertise is critical for sustained AI advantage.

In practice

• Prioritize governance readiness for AI integration.
• Address internal resistance to AI-driven change.

Topics

• AI Adoption
• AI Capability Gap
• Enterprise AI Deployment
• AI Integration Obstacles
• AI Governance

Best for: VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, CTO, Executive

Related on AIssential

• U.S. companies have an AI problem. Indian IT wants to be the solution — Indian IT firms pivot to solve enterprise AI deployment challenges, utilizing their deep integration expertise.
• What B2B Professionals Really Think About AI in 2026 — B2B professionals are overwhelmed by AI's pace, excited by its potential, but lack organizational governance for safe adoption.
• CGI: Why AI Adoption Faces Gaps Despite Growing Investment — AI scaling is hindered by legacy systems, talent gaps, and weak data foundations, not a lack of investment.
• Introducing OpenAI for India — OpenAI is expanding its presence and capabilities in India through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development.
• This Week's Top Five Stories in AI — AI adoption is reshaping industries, driving both unexpected model behaviors and critical infrastructure and policy shifts.
• Box CEO on AI Agents & Why Enterprise Can't Keep Up | a16z — Enterprise AI adoption is hindered by integration complexities, architectural paralysis, and a mismatch between tech innovation and organizational readiness.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by artifical intelligence via Google News.