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Imagine a future where artificial intelligence (AI) becomes the backbone of India’s economy, seamlessly integrating into industries, boosting productivity, and creating millions of new opportunities. Now, imagine that future arriving sooner than we expect. Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), believes this is not just a possibility but an inevitability. Speaking at Mumbai Tech Week 2025, Ambani called AI the most significant technological shift of our time—one that could propel India into an era of unprecedented economic growth.
TICE brings key highlights from his address.Â
AI: The Engine Driving India’s 10% Growth Dream
Addressing an audience of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts, Ambani painted a compelling vision of India’s AI-driven future.
In a fireside chat with Dream11 CEO Harsh Jain, he confidently stated, “I think AI is the biggest technology change that we have seen in our lifetime. And in my view, it is the engine that will empower India to grow at 10% or double-digit growth numbers for the foreseeable future.”
This statement comes at a time when India is positioning itself as a global technology powerhouse. While the country has already made significant strides in the digital economy—thanks to rapid internet penetration, digital payments, and a thriving startup ecosystem—AI, will be the key catalyst for India’s next economic leap.
The Three Pillars of India’s AI Future: Infrastructure, Research, and Talent
But how does India get there? Ambani outlined three fundamental areas that need urgent attention:
1. World-Class AI Infrastructure
AI requires massive computing power, and Ambani revealed that Jio is already investing heavily in this space.
“At Jio, we recently announced our AI data center in Jamnagar, which will have gigawatt capacity. We are continuously investing in AI infrastructure.”
This investment aligns with India’s growing need for high-performance computing to support AI applications in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and governance. By building world-class AI infrastructure, India can reduce dependency on foreign technology and take a leadership role in the global AI landscape.
2. Deep Research & Development
No technological revolution is complete without groundbreaking research. Ambani emphasized the importance of R&D in advancing AI capabilities, stating that India must not only be a consumer of AI but also a creator.
“DeepTech research and development efforts will be crucial for India to lead in this space,” he noted, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making AI a pillar of India’s technological strategy.
Investment in AI startups, research institutions, and public-private partnerships will be crucial in developing homegrown AI solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges and opportunities.
3. A Skilled AI Workforce
A technological shift of this scale requires a workforce that is well-equipped to leverage AI. Ambani shared that Jio has already built a robust AI talent pool of over 1,000 data scientists, researchers, and engineers.
“The critical element is to foster new ideas and push the boundaries of development,” he added, highlighting the need for a strong education system and skill-building initiatives to train India’s youth in AI and machine learning.
Will AI Take Away Jobs? Ambani Disagrees
As AI continues to evolve, a major concern globally has been its impact on jobs. However, Ambani dismissed fears of AI replacing human workers. Instead, he argued that AI will create new industries and employment opportunities—just as the internet did.
“When the Internet was created, new industries like fintech, e-commerce, and the creator economy emerged. Similarly, AI will lead to the creation of new jobs.”
He cited content creators on YouTube and Instagram as examples of how technological advancements often give birth to entirely new career paths.
“I’m a firm believer that AI will transform jobs, not replace them.”
His optimism is backed by industry trends, where AI is increasingly being used as a tool to enhance human productivity rather than eliminate jobs. From automating repetitive tasks to generating insights that drive business decisions, AI is expected to augment, not replace, the workforce.
Beyond AI: Ambani on Work-Life Balance
In a rare personal revelation, Ambani also spoke about work-life balance, a topic gaining prominence in corporate India. He credited his family values for shaping his work ethic.
“I have been very fortunate to grow up in a close-knit family where work was never seen as a separate part of life—it was the biggest part of our lives.”
When asked during a rapid-fire round whether he prefers working 8 AM to 5 PM or 5 PM to 8 AM, he responded:
“It’s not about the number of hours—it’s about the quality of work you do.”
This perspective reflects the growing trend of measuring productivity based on outcomes rather than rigid work hours, especially in an era where technology enables flexibility and remote work.
Mumbai Tech Week 2025: A Glimpse into the Future
Ambani’s insights at Mumbai Tech Week 2025 set the tone for India’s AI ambitions. The event, which brings together top minds from the tech industry, serves as a melting pot for discussions on innovation, policy, and future trends.
With AI now at the center of India’s digital transformation, the question is not if India will become an AI powerhouse but when. If Ambani’s vision materializes, India could soon be leading the world in AI adoption, innovation, and economic growth.
As the world watches, India is gearing up for an AI revolution that could redefine its future—and perhaps even the future of global technology.