Microsoft aims to skill 20 lakh Indians on AI by 2025, says Satya Nadella

Emphasizing the need for new-age technology to equally distribute growth, India-born Microsoft chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Satya Nadella said that India and the US must team up to make regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) and the global technology giant will skill at least 20 lakh Indians on AI by 2025.

Nadella stressed that a ‘consensus’ on AI, which he calls a powerful general-purpose technology, is crucial at the multi-dimensional level. Hence, it is the need of the hour for a faster ‘diffusion’ of technology can assist all of us to have ‘an equal distribution of economic growth. He emphasized on greater collaboration between India and the US when asked a question on the cooperation of both countries.

During his 2-day visit to India, he further goes on to say that it is important for both, India and the US, to be able to associate and be aware of the norms and the regulations so that we don’t fracture them. About skilling 20 lakh Indians in the future, he stated that infusing skills to make sure that the ‘employee thrives’ is the most essential thing a technology giant like Microsoft will be doing.

Microsoft chairman, while addressing an audience consisting of information technology companies, business leaders, and legal firms, also specified that AI can help lift the GDP growth of India as well labeling it as one of the highest growth markets in the world. He highlighted a data point from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (meity), which suggests that AI GDP will reach USD 500 billion individually by 2025 while the complete GDP will touch USD 5 trillion.

The company CEO further said that India also has to concentrate on grid stability in the power sector and stressed that technology has an immense role to play. He also elaborated that AI can also be used for fostering scientific progress by citing instances where the company has been of massive help.