India stands at a pivotal moment to harness Artificial Intelligence for accelerated economic growth. A new roadmap from NITI Aayog and Niti Frontier Tech Hub outlines this transformative potential. The vision of Viksit Bharat could become reality through strategic AI integration.
Titled AI for Viksit Bharat, the report highlights how AI can bridge nearly half the growth gap. This would move India from a projected GDP of USD 6.6 trillion to USD 8.3 trillion by 2035. Achieving an 8 percent growth trajectory requires unlocking productivity and innovation at scale.
NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyem emphasized AI as the decisive lever for 8 percent plus growth. A focused, sector-specific approach is essential for immediate impact. Industries like banking and manufacturing can deploy AI today to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Accelerating AI adoption across industries could account for 30-35 percent of the growth step-up. Transforming R&D with generative AI might contribute another 20-30 percent. These two major unlocks are central to the strategy.
Banking and financial services are poised to benefit significantly. AI could enable hyper-personalized customer experiences and advanced fraud detection. More inclusive lending practices are also anticipated.
This sector might unlock USD 50-55 billion in additional value by 2035.
Manufacturing is another key beneficiary. AI-driven productivity gains and predictive maintenance will play crucial roles. Intelligent product design could add substantial value.
The estimated additional value for manufacturing is USD 85-100 billion.
Beyond adoption, nurturing frontier innovation is vital. AI-enabled drug discovery and software-assisted vehicles are future growth engines. Next-generation auto components also hold promise.
In pharmaceuticals, AI could reduce drug discovery costs by up to 30 percent. Timelines might shorten by as much as 80 percent. This positions India to shift from generics to innovation-led leadership.
The automotive sector envisions 18-20 million software-assisted vehicles on roads by 2035. Smart corridors and digital testing parks will support this transformation. Such innovations could yield USD 20-25 billion in export gains and import substitution.
Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog, stressed that mission must become a core national priority. Sustained 8 plus growth requires bold, pervasive AI integration. Tireless innovation is the anchor for this journey.
Robust infrastructure is fundamental to this vision. Responsible governance will ensure ethical AI deployment. Industry-academia collaboration will drive meaningful progress.
India can pioneer a new model of growth with these elements in place. The opportunity is immense and time-sensitive. Collective effort will determine the outcome.
The report serves as a clear call to action for all stakeholders. Embracing AI is no longer optional but essential for economic leadership. The future of Viksit Bharat depends on these strategic choices.