India has emerged as a global leader in terms of the adoption of AI as a core strategic focus, with 80 per cent of firms prioritising AI as a core strategic focus, outpacing the global average of 75 per cent in this space, according to a new Boston Consulting Group (BCG) AI Radar global survey.

This surge in AI prioritisation coincides with substantial investment commitments, as 69 per cent of companies in India plan to ramp up tech spending in 2025, with a third earmarking over $25 million for AI ventures, positioning India among the world’s top AI spenders.

“Making India one of the top spenders globally on AI. About 81 per cent of Indian companies acknowledge the need for substantial improvements in AI-related cybersecurity measures, which is critical given the increasing complexity of AI applications,” the report, titled From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap, said.

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“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” Nipun Kalra, India Leader, BCG X, BCG, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Indian companies are not merely theorising about AI but are actively incorporating it into core operations and exploring new business models, the report said.

“While global executives are grappling with translating AI potential into tangible profit, India is showcasing a proactive approach to implementation, signalling its intent to not only adopt but to lead in the global AI revolution,” the report said.

This dual emphasis on strategic vision and significant financial backing underscores India’s determination to harness AI for both economic growth and innovative breakthroughs.

For the second year, Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG) AI Radar global survey captures the perspectives of business executives on AI. The findings reveal both optimism and significant challenges in realising AI’s full potential. BCG surveyed 1,803 C-level executives across 19 markets and 12 industries.

“In my discussions with CEOs, it’s clear they are prioritizing AI to drive productivity. While 75 per cent of executives rank AI as a top three strategic priority, only a quarter report meaningful value from their AI initiatives,” Christoph Schweizer, CEO of BCG, said.

“Successful leaders adopt the 10-20-70 framework to unlock AI’s business potential, allocating 70 per cent of their efforts to transforming people, processes, and culture; 20 per cent to data and technology; and just 10 per cent to algorithms,” Sylvain Duranton, global leader of BCG X, said.