Highlights:
- Indian IT firms are keeping pace with global AI adoption
- AI is seen as a growth driver, not a job killer
- Client focus is shifting from pilots to production use
- Roles are evolving rather than disappearing
- AI adoption is still early, but steadily expanding
Indian IT services companies are adapting well to the rise of artificial intelligence and are not falling behind global competitors, according to Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Premji said Indian IT firms are moving fast enough as AI becomes a core part of business strategy worldwide.
In an interview with Moneycontrol on Wednesday (21), Premji said discussions with clients are no longer limited to testing or experimenting with AI. Instead, companies are now focused on using AI in real business environments. This shift shows growing confidence in the technology and its practical value.
“The broader question of whether Indian IT is moving fast enough, my submission is yes,” Premji said. “I think we are moving fast enough.”
The World Economic Forum in Davos brings together thousands of leaders from governments, businesses, and global organizations. This year’s event included nearly 3,000 participants from more than 130 countries and concluded on January 23.
Premji stressed that Indian IT companies see AI as an opportunity rather than a risk to their traditional business models. According to him, large IT firms are positioning themselves to grow through AI by expanding services in areas such as consulting, data management, AI models, and large-scale delivery.
“Indian IT is clever,” Premji said. “It understands that business models are changing, and companies want to be part of that change.” He added that IT firms are learning to adapt by improving how work is delivered and by becoming more productive and effective.
One of the biggest concerns around AI is its potential impact on jobs and revenue. Premji addressed these fears directly, saying that AI-driven change does not automatically mean job losses or reduced income.
“It doesn’t mean fewer people or lower revenues,” he explained. “It just means a redistribution of what you’re doing.” According to Premji, roles will change as AI takes over routine tasks, but new roles will also emerge that require different skills.
Premji also noted that AI adoption is moving beyond small test projects. Many companies are now using AI in real production systems, even though the transition is gradual.
“The mindset has moved from pilot projects to adopting AI on a production basis,” he said. However, he cautioned that for most companies, AI use is still in its early stages.
At present, AI is mainly being used for simpler and functional tasks. While this is an important first step, Premji believes AI will slowly become more deeply integrated into core business processes over time.
Overall, Premji’s comments reflect confidence in the Indian IT sector’s ability to adapt and grow in an AI-driven world. Rather than seeing AI as a threat, Indian IT companies are treating it as a tool to transform how they work, serve clients, and build future-ready businesses.
