India’s $500 billion AI GDP by 2025: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlights potential of AI in economic growth
Business TodayFeb 07
Microsoft to Train 2M Indian Workers in AI by 2025
The Facts
On Wednesday, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella visited Mumbai, India, where he spoke at the Microsoft CEO Connection event. Addressing a crowd that included top business leaders and executives, Nadella announced that Microsoft plans to provide 2M Indian people with artificial intelligence (AI) “skilling opportunities” by next year.
Part of Microsoft’s broader Skills for Jobs initiative, the ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA program looks to transform the subcontinent's AI prowess and equip people with skills they will need for the future. According to Microsoft’s Work Team Trend Index, 90% of Indian business leaders say new jobs will require AI skills, yet 78% of current workers lack such skills.
The Spin
Narrative A
AI is the future, and India has great potential to become the world’s emerging AI hub. With the world’s largest population and millions of people with tech skills, India is well on its way to creating a great future, and Microsoft’s latest programs will take it to the next level, as employers in India — and around the world — report a severe need for workers with AI skills. The sky's the limit in India, and Microsoft is playing a big role.
Narrative B
American tech companies often talk about creating economic opportunities and promoting employable skills for the future; however, they seem to focus on everywhere in the world except at home. Amid the tech boom over the last few decades, millions of Americans, especially those in rural areas, have been left behind, yet there are no corporate outreach or education programs for them. 14% of the US population lives in rural areas, and they deserve to have greater economic opportunities.