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India Emerges as Global AI Powerhouse, Backed by Reforms and Digital Infra: IMF

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva identified India as a rising global force in artificial intelligence, crediting its digital public infrastructure and skilled tech workforce. She praised India's economic reforms and noted the country's high ranking in global AI preparedness assessments. Georgieva highlighted that AI could significantly boost global economic growth, with dynamic economies like India poised to gain even more. She confirmed her upcoming visit to India for an AI summit, describing the country as a bright spot in the global economy.

Key Points: IMF: India a Major AI Force Due to Reforms & Digital Infrastructure

  • IMF lauds India as a major AI force
  • Strong reforms and digital infrastructure cited as key strengths
  • India ranks third globally on AI preparedness
  • AI could boost global growth by 0.8 percentage points
  • Georgieva to visit India for AI summit next month
2 min read

WEF 2026: India emerges as major AI force backed by reforms, digital infra, says IMF

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva praises India's AI prospects, digital public infrastructure, and skilled workforce at WEF, highlighting its global economic role.

"India is a very dynamic economy already, and with AI, it would be even more so. - Kristalina Georgieva"

New Delhi, Jan 23

India is emerging as one of the world's major forces in artificial intelligence, supported by strong reforms, digital public infrastructure, and a skilled technology workforce, said Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The IMF MD pointed to India's rapidly built digital public infrastructure and deep pool of IT‑skilled labour as major strengths, NDTV Profit reported.

Georgieva said the IMF holds India in high regard for the pace and quality of its recent economic reforms.

When asked about comments by Union Electronics and Information Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Georgieva said that the Fund believes India's prospects in AI are "remarkable".

Vaishnaw had recently pushed back strongly against remarks by Georgieva that India is in a "second grouping" of AI powers. Vaishnaw cited a Stanford assessment that showed India ranked third globally on AI preparedness.

Georgieva noted that the IMF's assessment showed AI could boost global growth by up to 0.8 percentage points and that dynamic economies like India stand to gain even more.

"India is a very dynamic economy already, and with AI, it would be even more so," Georgieva said, praising India's approach to staying competitive while charting its own path on AI development.

She confirmed her travel plans to India next month for the AI summit, saying she was "very, very excited" about the visit and described India as "a bright spot on a somewhat cloudy global economic horizon".

She cautioned that globally, expectations from AI are very high, which could cause downturns if they fail to materialise. Georgieva said that in such an environment, countries must focus on strong economic fundamentals, adding that India's policy focus in this regard is admirable.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Glad to see the IMF acknowledging our progress. But let's be real, the benefits of this AI boom need to reach beyond just the tech hubs. We need more focus on AI in agriculture, healthcare, and regional languages.
A
Arjun K
Our IT workforce is our biggest asset. The minister was right to push back on the "second grouping" comment. Stanford's ranking placing us third globally is a more accurate reflection of our capabilities. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in tech here, the energy is palpable. The key will be ensuring ethical AI development and preventing job displacement in traditional sectors. The fundamentals she mentions are crucial.
V
Vikram M
"A bright spot on a somewhat cloudy global economic horizon" – what a fantastic way to put it! This is the result of consistent policy focus. Excited for the AI summit next month.
K
Karthik V
The caution about high expectations is valid. We must manage the hype and build sustainable models. But overall, the trajectory is incredibly promising for India's tech future.

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