Indian IT giants bet big on AI, rewire business DNAs for AI-driven future
New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) Indian IT majors are aggressively repositioning themselves as AI-native firms, focusing on high-margin applications and integration over high-risk, capital-intensive foundational research.
A deep dive into the FY25 annual reports from the industry behemoths --- TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra -- indicates that in the global AI race, India's tech titans are not competing to invent foundational AI, they are positioning themselves to become premier integrators of it.
You may be interested in
The shift from general digital transformation to a specific AI focus is captured in the very titles of their annual reports. TCS frames its strategy within "The Perpetually Adaptive Enterprise," driven by a stated "AI-First approach."
Infosys takes an even more direct path with its theme, "AI Your Enterprise," while Wipro focuses on its role as an enabler in "Helping Clients Build AI-Powered Future-Ready Businesses."
Tech Mahindra joins this chorus with "AI Delivered Right."
The IT firms are laying a greater focus on investing in human capital and upskilling their workforce.
TCS has reported that over 1 lakh of its employees have acquired "higher order skills in AI/ML and GenAI, while Infosys has said that over 2.70 lakh of its employees are now "AI-Aware".
Similar trends are observed in Wipro and Tech Mahindra as well.
"The advent of AI with all its possibilities and potential creates another arc of uncertainty. As enterprises look at applying AI to every aspect of the business, some long-standing challenges will become imperative and self-evident to firms," Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani said.
The need to modernise legacy systems and create a data architecture so that all the firm's data is consumable by AI, in a holistic manner, can no longer be put off, he said and urged enterprises to have an AI foundry and an AI factory to fuel innovation as well as scale.
"Let us think of AI as a gifted child prodigy born and brought up in a library. It has access to all the knowledge in the world. It absorbs everything -- information, fact, fiction, truth, untruth, every pattern of human behaviour. Used well, it can create extraordinary value, particularly for businesses like TechM," Mahindra Group Chairman Anand G Mahindra said.
The global AI market is projected to skyrocket, reaching an estimated USD 1.3 trillion over the next decade, according to industry estimates.
The IT firms are not building their own large language models (LLMs) to compete with OpenAI or Google. Instead, they are deepening partnerships with hyperscalers (Microsoft, Google, AWS) and chipmakers (Nvidia) to access the latest models and infrastructure.
Firms are creating dedicated spaces for co-innovation, TCS is establishing AI Centres of Excellence and AI Labs, while Infosys is building its AI foundry, allowing clients to experiment with AI in a controlled environment.
Their bet is that as AI becomes a utility, the most enduring value will be captured not by those who create it, but by those who can expertly wire it into every corner of the enterprise.
India's largest IT services company TCS believes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) is not just another tech cycle but a "civilisational shift" which will positively benefit every industry.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, who also chairs the TCS board, said the USD 30 billion IT services company will create a "large pool" of AI agents to work alongside humans and deliver solutions in a "human AI" model in the future.
Wipro announced realignment within its Global Business Lines (GBLs) to better align with the changing needs of clients and to capitalise on opportunities in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
29 minutes ago
- Mint
What happens if you use crypto to fund a foreign company?
I'm a resident Indian and I want to incorporate a company in Dubai to provide fintech advisory services in UAE. The consultant there has told me that I can incorporate a company in free zone simply by transferring crypto-currency as share capital. What are the tax implications and risks of carrying out such a transaction? Incorporating a company outside India, like in a UAE free zone, does not by itself lead to any direct tax implication in India. However, when the capital contribution is made using cryptocurrency, things change. Under Indian tax law, cryptocurrencies are treated as virtual digital assets (VDAs). So, if you use crypto to subscribe to shares in a foreign company, it qualifies as a transfer of a VDA—which is a taxable event in India. Such transfers attract a flat 30% tax (plus applicable surcharge and cess) on any gains made. Deductions are strictly limited—only the original cost of acquisition can be claimed. No other costs like exchange or transaction fees are allowed. Moreover, if the transaction results in a loss, that loss cannot be set off against other income, nor can it be carried forward. In effect, the loss becomes permanently disallowed for tax purposes. These transactions must be reported under Schedule VDA of your Indian income tax return (ITR). Additionally, since you are acquiring shares in a foreign company, this investment must also be disclosed under Schedule FA (Foreign Assets) in your ITR. Beyond taxation, there are foreign exchange law implications. Under India's FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) rules, making capital contributions to a foreign company using crypto is not permitted. Even if UAE allows it, doing so from India could mean violating FEMA—potentially leading to penalties and enforcement actions. In summary, while it may seem straightforward to invest in a Dubai company using cryptocurrency, Indian law imposes significant restrictions on such transactions. Harshal Bhuta is partner at P. R. Bhuta & Co. CAs
Hindustan Times
30 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Sony Bravia Theatre System 6, Bar 6 launched in India, price starts at ₹39,990
Sony India has announced two new additions to its Bravia Theatre audio portfolio: the Bravia Theatre System 6, a 5.1 channel wireless surround system, and the Bravia Theatre Bar 6, a 3.1.2 channel soundbar. Both are designed to offer cinematic audio quality, featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony's advanced immersive sound technology tailored for the modern Indian living room. Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 (3.1.2 channel) will be available across India starting 1st July 2025, priced at ₹ 39,990.(Sony) The Bravia Theatre System 6 offers 1000W of rich, immersive sound through a true 5.1 channel configuration, complete with wireless rear speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. For those looking for a sleek, minimalist setup, the Bravia Theatre Bar 6 delivers vertical surround through two upfiring speakers and a wireless subwoofer, making it ideal for immersive movie-watching or gaming sessions. Both systems utilise Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony's proprietary Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force PRO Front Surround to simulate a 360 audio experience, even without ceiling or rear speakers. Mobile Finder: iPhone 17 Air expected to debut in the coming months Designed for India Catering to Indian content consumption habits, the new systems offer Voice Zoom 3 for enhanced dialogue clarity and include special modes such as Night Mode for quieter viewing and Voice Mode for speech-focused content. The System 6 also includes Multi Stereo Mode, which distributes sound evenly across all speakers — ideal for group watching or larger spaces. Smarter Connectivity with Bravia Both models seamlessly integrate with Sony Bravia TVs via the Bravia Connect app, which consolidates control of TV and sound system into a single mobile interface. Volume, sound modes, and other settings can also be adjusted directly through the TV's Quick Settings menu using the TV remote. Eco-Friendly and Accessible Sony continues its sustainability efforts with the use of recycled PET fabric, minimal plastic packaging, and reduced ink usage. Accessibility features include tactile markers and screen reader support via the Bravia Connect app, making the systems more inclusive for users with visual impairments. Pricing and Availability The Bravia Theatre Bar 6 (3.1.2 channel) will be available across India starting 1st July 2025, priced at ₹ 39,990. The Bravia Theatre System 6 (5.1 channel) will follow, going on sale from 3rd July 2025 at a price of ₹ 49,990. Both products will be available through Sony Centres, major electronics retailers, and popular e-commerce platforms.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
31 minutes ago
- First Post
Indonesia's envoy lauds local currency transaction deal with India as bilateral trade boost
Lauding the local currency transaction agreement signed between India and Indonesia , Ina H. Krisnamurthi, the Indonesian Ambassador to India & Bhutan, noted that the initiative is already set in motion. The remarks from the Indonesian envoy came as she announced the 40th edition of the Indonesia Trade Expo. The event will take place in Jakarta on 15 and 19 October 2025. On Monday, the Indonesian ambassador and the country's prominent delegation gave an insight into what's in store for the October event. 'On Indonesian trade outlook, the global demand for commodities like steel, foil and gold is steadily increasing while the digital economy is expected to experience significant growth, potentially reaching USD 150 billion by this year. Indonesia has a long-term strategy focused on digital transformation, energy transition and social resilience. Similar to India, aiming for a more sustainable and inclusive economy are sectors which may be attractive to our Indian partners,' Krisnamurthi said at the start of the press interaction. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Image Source: Firstpost 'According to the World Economic Forum, the combined GDP of Indonesia and India is around USD 8.3 trillion. The estimated GDP of India and Indonesia, which both share the same number, is more than USD 4.1 trillion. With a combined population of 1.7 billion, and each of us has more than 60 per cent of the population youth, avenues for collaboration between Indonesia and India are immense,' she added. In her speech, the Indonesian envoy noted that trade expos like these become important to promote trade and cooperation among countries around the world, especially amid global economic uncertainties. 'The World Bank, early this month, issued a report which has projected the global economy to grow at 2.3 per cent in 2025, the weakest growth in 17 years, excluding the outright global recession. The report, however, said that the global growth would rebound faster than expected if major economies are able to mitigate trade tensions,' she explained. Local Currency Transaction Agreement already in motion: Indonesian Envoy During her address, Krisnamurthi lauded the local currency transaction agreement, signed between India and Indonesia in March 2024. 'For me, it was a very proud moment when our central bank signed the local currency transaction agreement in March 2024, which allows for direct settlement of transactions in local currencies as well as to simplify and reduce the cost for businesses cooperating with India and Indonesia. She mentioned how Mayban Indonesia, a financial service entity, has an existing presence in India and is working to strengthen its position as a preferred trade partner in the ASEAN region. 'Maybank Indonesia is the first bank to settle transactions in both Indian Rupees and Indonesian Rupiah,' she said. When Firstpost asked the ambassador how soon Indonesia expects the agreement to boost bilateral trade with India, the Indonesian envoy noted that the process is already in motion. 'It's already on the roll now. I talked to Maybank Indonesia in Dubai. They always said that the transactions, the trade transactions , are already in place,' Ambassador Krisnamurthi told Firstpost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'But the transactions are not at the volume that we want. Maybank Indonesia and Indonesia also need to increase their assets, including that, because the RBI wants their assets to be bigger so that they can do more transactions. But, it's already on the road.' 'We hope that if they are joining the trade export and also meeting with Indian businesses, then the transaction will be there. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing their asset increase if they are not coping with the mandatory volume of assets that RBI, your central bank already mentioned, they cannot do it because they have to have a certain number of assets to be able to set the transactions in motion,' she added. Disparity between India and Indonesian investment: There is more to the story It is pertinent to note that the Indian investment in Indonesia is around $54 billion, which is primarily channelled through Singapore. Meanwhile, Indonesia has invested a cumulative total of US$658.64 million in India as of September 2024. When Firstpost asked Ambassador Krisnamurthi about the disparity, she noted that there is more to the story. 'There is a discrepancy in the numbers between our data and Indian data, that's the first thing which is prevalent to note. Second, you need to understand that an Indonesian company that enters the Indian market is also registered by their stock exchange in Singapore,' she averred. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'So, the registration company is Singapore. But the owner is Indonesian. So, many of the numbers do not reflect whether it's owned by Indonesians or not. They have offices right in Singapore, which is why they entered India with a Singapore office, not an Indonesian office,' she furthered. While speaking to Firstpost, Nugroho Priyo Pratomo, Director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre in Chennai, noted how several Indonesian companies have a significant place in the Indian domestic markets. 'So, let's take an example. For Indonesia's F&B companies in India, we have Nabati in Chennai, and we have Mayora in Hyderabad. And we have Dundun in Bangalore. We also have some shipping companies from Indonesia, interested in the Indian markets,' he said. 'Indonesia's current undertaking is to enhance its infrastructure to instil more confidence in how to place the investments in India itself. So, recently, many Indonesians have also been interested in investing in India. But we still have to focus more on what is the best option to get the deal,' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Eko Santoso Junor, Consul for Economic Affairs, Consulate-General of Indonesia, Mumbai, also responded to Firstpost's question, noting that while the Indonesian investment in India is strong, it is 'unfortunately not publicised to a greater extent. 'For instance, here we talk about companies registered in Singapore. So, we might skip the public radar. But, when we talk to people like Indians who are already in Indonesia, anticipating working in Indonesia, maybe it's like the paradox of similarity, where we're so similar in culture and many aspects,' he told Firstpost. He also noted that 'a market as big as India also comes with logistical and clerical challenges.'
