India’s Rapid Growth in AI Talent: A Global Perspective

India has achieved a 252% rise in AI talent concentration from 2016 to 2024, the fastest globally, per the Stanford AI Index report. It ranks third in global AI research output but hasn’t entered the top 15 countries in talent concentration. AI hiring grew 33% YoY, though public optimism about AI benefits declined from 71% in 2022 to 62% in 2024, highlighting contrasting trends in progress and perception.

India has emerged as a global leader in the growth of AI talent, achieving a remarkable 252% increase in AI talent concentration between 2016 and 2024, according to the recent Stanford AI Index report. This makes it the fastest-growing country in this area worldwide. However, despite this impressive growth, India has yet to secure a spot among the top 15 nations in terms of AI talent concentration, with countries like Israel and Singapore leading the rankings.

The report highlights India’s significant contributions to AI research. The country ranks third globally in terms of AI-related research output, accounting for approximately 10% of the world’s AI publications. This puts India just behind China, which contributes 23%, and Europe at 15%, while slightly surpassing the United States. Notably, the US has experienced a decline in its share of AI research publications since 2021.

In terms of AI skill penetration, India has seen a shift in its standing. It held the top position in previous years but has now moved to second place, with the United States reclaiming the lead. Despite this, India leads the world in AI hiring growth, with a year-over-year increase of 33%, showcasing the country’s robust demand for AI professionals in the workforce.

Interestingly, public sentiment in India regarding the benefits of AI appears to be waning. According to the report, the percentage of respondents from India who believe AI products offer more advantages than disadvantages has dropped consistently over the past three years—from 71% in 2022 to 65% in 2023, and further down to 62% in 2024. This decline in optimism sets India apart as one of the few nations where attitudes toward AI have grown more cautious over time.

The findings from the Stanford AI Index report shed light on India’s dual narrative in the AI space: rapid talent growth and research contributions on one hand, and a tempered outlook on AI’s societal impact on the other. As the country continues to advance in this transformative field, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the coming years.

Source: Insights adapted from the Stanford AI Index report, 2024.