India Emerges as a Global Leader in AI Adoption, with 80% of companies identifying AI as a core strategic priority above the global average of 75%

BOSTON: AI remains a top priority for business leaders worldwide in 2025, with a strong focus on reaping tangible results from their AI initiatives. This year, one in three companies globally is planning to allocate over $25 million to AI.

For the second year, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)’s AI Radar global survey has captured the mood of business executives when it comes to AI. The findings, released today, reveal both optimism and significant challenges in realizing AI’s full potential. In the latest edition of the AI Radar report, titled From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap, BCG surveyed 1,803 C-level executives across 19 markets and 12 industries.

“In the last few years, India has positioned itself as a leader in AI adoption, with 80% of companies identifying AI as a core strategic priority—well above the global average of 75%. This aligns with the nation’s ambitious digital transformation agenda. To add to this context, 69% of Indian firms plan to increase their tech investments in 2025, with one-third committing over $25 million to AI initiatives. Making India one of the top spenders globally on AI. 81% of Indian Companies acknowledge the need for substantial improvements in AI-related cybersecurity measures, which is critical given the increasing complexity of AI applications. Interestingly, Indian companies are also embracing AI for high-impact applications, with a substantial focus on reshaping workflows and inventing new business models, positioning India as a driver of innovation in this space. These findings highlight India’s dual role as a pioneer in leveraging AI for business growth and a key contributor to shaping the global AI narrative.”, said Nipun Kalra, India Leader, BCG X, BCG

“In my discussions with CEOs, it’s clear they are prioritizing AI to drive productivity,” said Christoph Schweizer, CEO of BCG. “Our latest survey uncovers a crucial challenge: while 75% of executives rank AI as a top three strategic priority, only a quarter report meaningful value from their AI initiatives. Leading AI adopters have cracked the code on how to achieve impact by focusing on a targeted set of AI initiatives, scaling them rapidly, transforming core processes, upskilling their teams, and systematically measuring operational and financial returns. Many companies have an immense opportunity to close the gap between their ambitions and reality.”