Indian leaders are embracing artificial intelligence with growing confidence and urgency, according to Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index, which surveyed 31,000 participants across 31 countries. The study found that 93% of Indian leaders plan to use AI agents to extend workforce capabilities over the next 12 to 18 months, underscoring India’s decisive shift toward an AI-first era.
AI at the Core: India’s New Model for Innovation and Adaptability
The report highlights the rise of “Frontier Firms” in India—forward-looking organisations that are not just adopting AI but reimagining work through deep human-agent collaboration. These companies are redesigning their operations to integrate AI at the core, positioning themselves as leaders in innovation and adaptability.
Already, 59% of leaders in India are using AI agents to automate entire workflows and business processes across teams. This adoption marks a transition from traditional hierarchical models to more fluid, agile structures that allow organisations to respond to challenges with greater speed, precision, and flexibility.
India Embeds AI into Everyday Work, Redefining Collaboration
Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, noted that AI agility in India is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. He emphasised that the workforce is embedding AI into everyday tasks, harnessing its 24/7 availability to boost productivity, enhance decision-making, and fuel creativity. AI is increasingly becoming a trusted thought partner, driving meaningful transformation across sectors.
According to Chandok, this evolution is turning AI’s potential into tangible outcomes, delivering profitability powered by innovation and productivity. With organisations scaling operations and redefining collaboration, India is positioning itself as a global leader in AI-driven transformation, setting benchmarks for the future of work.
Summary:
Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index reveals India’s decisive AI-first shift, with 93% of leaders planning to adopt AI agents within 18 months. Frontier Firms are embedding AI into workflows, replacing hierarchies with agile structures. Puneet Chandok highlights AI’s role in boosting productivity, creativity, decision-making, and positioning India as a global AI leader.
