Indian Businesses Lead Global AI Adoption as 93% of Executives Plan Agent Deployment by 2025

93% of Indian Executives Plan AI Agent Deployment Within 18 Months: Microsoft Report

Indian enterprises are leading global peers in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline business processes. According to Microsoft's Work Trend Index (WTI) 2025 report, nearly all senior executives in India are preparing to implement AI agents within the next 18 months.

The study surveyed 31,000 professionals across 31 countries and shows a clear shift in India’s corporate sector towards an "AI-first" approach. Over 75% of knowledge workers in India already use AI tools at work, with IT services, financial institutions, and manufacturing companies among the fastest adopters.

Innovation Leaders Redefining Work

“Frontier Firms” in India—those identified as innovation leaders—are redesigning job roles to handle increased workloads while enabling employees to focus on higher-value tasks. Unlike in many other markets, these companies are less worried about AI causing job losses and more focused on how AI can augment human capabilities.

Microsoft points out that India is ahead in deploying AI agents to streamline workflows. Nearly 60% of Indian business leaders currently use AI agents to manage team workflows, and 90% see 2025 as a crucial year for redefining business strategies through AI.

Preparing for New Roles and Skills

Organizations are gearing up to introduce new roles such as AI Workflow Designers and Agent Managers. Upskilling ranks high on the agenda, with 51% of Indian leaders identifying it as their top priority over the next 12 to 18 months. Additionally, 63% of managers expect AI training to become standard within five years.

Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, emphasized that AI is now a core force in shaping industries. He noted, “Copilot has accelerated AI adoption across sectors. This is about augmenting human intelligence and creativity, not replacing people.”

Addressing Cybersecurity Concerns

Cybersecurity remains a critical focus as AI is integrated into business operations. Microsoft has embedded AI into its defense systems, detecting around 7,000 password attacks every minute and processing millions of security signals hourly. Their Security Copilot uses AI to protect platforms like SharePoint and the sensitive data they contain.

What Executives Should Focus On

• Plan for AI agent deployment as a near-term priority—most Indian businesses expect to roll out AI within 18 months.
• Invest in upskilling programs to prepare employees for AI-augmented workflows.
• Consider new job roles that focus on AI management and workflow design to fully leverage AI’s potential.
• Maintain a strong focus on cybersecurity with AI-driven defenses to safeguard data and systems.

Executives looking to build AI skills within their teams can explore comprehensive training options at Complete AI Training. Preparing your workforce today will ensure smoother adoption and greater value from AI initiatives.