India now has the third largest pool of AI native talent: Tech Mahindra CEO Mohit Joshi at Davos 2026

As global leaders gather in the picturesque setting of Davos for the 2026 World Economic Forum, discussions are pivoting from the speculative aspects of Artificial Intelligence to its tangible applications on a grand scale. In a revealing interview with Business Today, Mohit Joshi, Managing Director and CEO of Tech Mahindra, articulated India's significant role in driving this transformation, citing the nation as home to the third-largest pool of AI-native talent. Traditionally labeled as the 'back office' of the world, India is breaking free from this narrow definition. Joshi emphasized that the country has developed a profound understanding of complex processes, moving beyond simple tasks like voice transcription. "You cannot transform what you don't understand," he asserted, underscoring the deep industry knowledge that Indian firms have honed over years. In the context of global economic challenges, Joshi pointed to India and the Middle East as the two bright spots in the international landscape. He noted that the momentum of the 'India story' is strengthened by advancements in international agreements and a shift in focus towards practical AI applications. "The focus has moved from the lab to realizing value through large-scale implementations, which is where the Indian industry excels," Joshi remarked. While some experts predict that AI could result in up to a 25% productivity boost, Joshi urged caution, especially for large enterprises. He likened major corporations to vast vessels, indicating that significant transformations require time. "Expecting a 60% productivity gain in just one year is unrealistic," he warned, suggesting that a more achievable target for most large companies would be a high single-digit growth as improvements accumulate over time. Looking ahead, Joshi expressed optimism about Tech Mahindra's future, highlighting the company's heavy investments in AI training and its evolving leadership. He believes that the industry’s innovative spirit will propel it further up the value chain, ensuring continued growth and adaptation in an ever-changing landscape.