Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.The chief of the National Stock Exchange says India is fully prepared to emerge as a major force in Artificial Intelligence, echoing the IT boom of the 1990s. Ashish Kumar Chauhan believes the country will not only be one of the biggest users of AI but also develop into the world’s largest services centre in this fast-growing field. He was speaking at the IMC Bharat Calling Conference 2026 held in Mumbai on February 27.

Youth power to drive AI surge

Chauhan said India’s young population is its biggest strength. According to him, Indian youth are quick to adopt new technologies and are ready to lead the country into the AI era. He drew a parallel with the 1990s, when young professionals powered India’s rise as a global IT services hub.

Key points highlighted at the session:

• India can become the world’s largest AI user base.
• The country has the talent pool to lead global AI services.
• Young professionals will play a decisive role in shaping the sector.
• AI growth could mirror the scale of the IT revolution.

He said the same energy and adaptability that defined the IT expansion three decades ago can now propel India to leadership in Artificial Intelligence.

India ready to compete with world

Chauhan stressed that India is no longer confined to software services. The country is advancing rapidly in new sectors such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, biotechnology and semiconductors. He noted that when AI integrates with these emerging industries, it can create a powerful ecosystem capable of competing with the world’s leading economies.

He explained that the coming together of AI with manufacturing and deep technology would significantly raise productivity and efficiency. This integration, he said, will further strengthen India’s service capabilities and enhance its global standing.

Global partnerships to accelerate growth

The NSE MD and CEO said India’s improving ties with countries such as the United States, Europe and Australia will add momentum to its technological ambitions. He underlined that government support, international collaborations and the right use of new technologies will be critical to replicating the success seen in the IT sector.

He pointed out that India stands at a stage where technology and manufacturing strength can be combined to secure a stronger position in the global value chain. With coordinated efforts, the country can build a robust AI-driven economy.

Conference sets roadmap for expansion

The IMC Bharat Calling Conference 2026 has brought together visionaries, policymakers and industry leaders. The objective is to create a roadmap that positions India as a major manufacturing and export hub for global markets.

Focus areas discussed include:

• Expanding exports of high-value goods.
• Strengthening supply chains for global trade.
• Building India as a reliable manufacturing partner.
• Leveraging AI to improve industrial output.

The conference aims to align policy direction with industry expectations to accelerate economic growth.

Potential to generate millions of jobs

Experts at the event said that with sustained government backing and proper skill training for youth, India can transform into a global AI services hub. They believe the sector holds the promise of generating large-scale employment and significant revenue, similar to what the IT industry achieved.

At the concluding session, speakers underlined:

• AI can create millions of direct and indirect jobs.
• Proper training will be essential to meet global demand.
• The sector could bring billions of dollars in revenue.
• India has the demographic advantage to lead the shift.

Chauhan’s message was clear: just as the IT wave reshaped India’s global image in the 1990s, Artificial Intelligence now offers an opportunity to script the next big growth story, led by the country’s young and tech-savvy population.