AI is now the 'foundational operating system': Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving beyond its initial experimental phases and is now seen as the essential operational backbone for various industries, according to Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom. In a recent interview, Nambiar emphasized that by 2026, AI will no longer be considered a niche technology, but rather the fundamental infrastructure shaping business operations and decision-making processes. The Nasscom Annual Strategic Review for 2026 projects India's AI revenue to reach between $10 and $12 billion, indicating the rise of the 'Human + AI' model as a dominant approach within the country's $315 billion technology sector. Nambiar highlighted that the demand for new job roles is increasing, with companies seeking talent for positions that barely existed just a few years ago. Roles such as AI interaction specialists, human-technology interface designers, and leads in AI ethics and governance are becoming essential. Moreover, the need for domain-specific safety testers in industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing is on the rise. Nambiar also pointed out the growing significance of interdisciplinary roles that blend AI expertise with social sciences. India is strategically positioned to benefit from this transformation, not only as a significant adopter of AI technologies but also as a global center for AI talent. Nambiar noted, "India is not just a large-scale adopter of AI. It is currently one of the global leaders in AI talent penetration." Addressing the concerns regarding job loss due to AI advancements, Nambiar argued that the narrative of net job displacement is overly simplistic. He encouraged a comprehensive view of employment trends across the industry. With an estimated workforce of around six million in the tech sector by FY26E, the industry remains a net generator of employment. He explained that job opportunities will arise across various segments, including startups, global capability centers (GCCs), traditional IT firms, and AI-native companies, each playing a unique role in job creation. Nambiar elaborated that while startups and AI-focused businesses will drive high-intensity roles, GCCs are set to become key players in job creation through applied research and product engineering. In the realm of traditional IT services, changes are already evident in service delivery models. Nambiar described the emergence of 'Human + AI' delivery pods, where AI manages defined workflows under human supervision, ensuring accountability and quality. As global enterprises aim to integrate AI into their core operations, they are increasingly turning to India to establish their AI hubs, particularly in areas like MLOps and AI governance, which are expected to experience sustained demand.