New Delhi, Jun 29 (PTI) Indian IT giants are aggressively repositioning themselves as AI-native firms, focusing on high-margin applications and integration over high-risk, capital-intensive foundational research.
A deep dive into the FY25 annual reports it companies in india from the industry behemoths — TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra — indicates that in the global AI race, India’s tech titans are not competing to invent foundational AI, they are positioning themselves to become premier integrators of it.
The shift from general digital transformation to a specific AI focus is captured in the very titles of their annual reports. TCS frames its strategy within “The Perpetually Adaptive Enterprise,” driven by a stated “AI-First approach.”
Infosys takes an even more direct path with its theme, “AI Your Enterprise,” while Wipro focuses on its role as an enabler in “Helping Clients Build AI-Powered Future-Ready Businesses.”
Tech Mahindra joins this chorus with “AI Delivered Right.”
The IT firms are laying a greater focus on investing in human capital and upskilling their workforce.
TCS has reported that over 1 lakh of its employees have acquired “higher order skills in AI/ML and GenAI, while Infosys has said that over 2.70 lakh of its employees are now “AI-Aware”.
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Similar trends are observed in Wipro and Tech Mahindra as well.
“The advent of AI with all its possibilities and potential creates another arc of uncertainty. As enterprises look at applying AI to every aspect of the business, some long-standing challenges will become imperative and self-evident to firms,” Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani said.
The need to modernise legacy systems and create a data architecture so that all the firm’s data is consumable by AI, in a holistic manner, can no longer be put off, he said and urged enterprises to have an AI foundry and an AI factory to fuel innovation as well as scale.
“Let us think of AI as a gifted child prodigy born and brought up in a library. It has access to all the knowledge in the world. It absorbs everything — information, fact, fiction, truth, untruth, every pattern of human behaviour. Used well, it can create extraordinary value, particularly for businesses like TechM,” Mahindra Group Chairman Anand G Mahindra said.
The global AI market india by market capitalization is projected to skyrocket, reaching an estimated USD 1.3 trillion over the next decade, according to industry estimates.
The IT firms are not building their own large language models (LLMs) to compete with OpenAI or Google. Instead, they are deepening partnerships with hyperscalers (Microsoft, Google, AWS) and chipmakers (Nvidia) to access the latest models and infrastructure.
Firms are creating dedicated spaces for co-innovation, TCS is establishing AI Centres of Excellence and AI Labs, while Infosys is building its AI foundry, allowing clients to experiment with AI in a controlled environment.
Their bet is that as AI becomes a utility, the most enduring value will be captured not by those who create it, but by those who can expertly wire it into every corner of the enterprise.
India’s largest IT services company TCS believes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) is not just another tech cycle but a “civilisational shift” which will positively benefit every industry.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran, who also chairs the TCS board, said the USD 30 billion IT services company will create a “large pool” of AI agents to work alongside humans and deliver solutions in a “human AI” model in the future.
Wipro announced realignment within its Global Business Lines (GBLs) companies in india by marketto better align with the changing needs of clients and to capitalize on opportunities in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
“This evolution of our business lines will enable us to further sharpen our focus towards client needs with consulting-led and AI-powered solutions. This realignment will allow us to serve our clients better, enabling us to deliver tailored, high-impact transformation,” Wipro CEO and MD Srini Pallia had said.
India’s Information Technology (IT) industry has transformed remarkably over the past few decades, evolving from a small outsourcing sector into a global technology powerhouse. The term “Indian IT giants” refers to the large, well-established technology firms that have played a pivotal role in shaping this journey. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Tech Mahindra are leading this charge, delivering digital solutions to businesses worldwide.
The Rise of Indian IT Giants
The roots of India’s IT revolution can be traced back to the 1980s and 1990s when the Indian government began focusing on computer education, policy reforms, and infrastructure improvements. As global businesses started to look for cost-effective solutions, India emerged as an attractive destination for IT outsourcing due to its skilled English-speaking workforce and competitive pricing.
By the early 2000s, Indian IT companies had begun to scale rapidly, offering services ranging from software development and maintenance to consulting and IT-enabled services (ITES). Today, India accounts for nearly 55% of the global outsourcing market.
Leading Players in the Indian IT Sector
1. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
TCS is India’s largest IT services company by market capitalization and revenue. Known for its broad range of services including IT consulting, business solutions, and digital transformation, TCS serves clients across banking, retail, telecom, and healthcare sectors. The company’s strong emphasis on research and innovation has kept it at the forefront of global technology trends.
2. Infosys
Infosys is renowned for its focus on technology-led business solutions and digital services. With a presence in over 50 countries, Infosys offers services like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. The company’s consistent investment in talent development and innovation has contributed to its sustained growth.
3. Wipro
Wipro has evolved from a consumer goods company into one of India’s top IT service providers. It specializes in areas like application development, cloud services, IT infrastructure management, and business process outsourcing. Wipro is also gaining recognition for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
4. HCL Technologies
HCL is known for its engineering and R&D services, making it a key partner for global enterprises seeking digital transformation. HCL focuses heavily on next-gen technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT). The company has a strong client base in North America and Europe.
5. Tech Mahindra
Tech Mahindra is a leader in providing digital transformation services with a strong focus on telecom and communication technologies. The company has been expanding into emerging technologies like 5G, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
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Indian IT giants have played a crucial role in helping global businesses digitize operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. They have been instrumental in driving innovations like cloud adoption, artificial intelligence integration, and automation across industries.
Moreover, these companies have established development centers and delivery hubs worldwide, creating employment opportunities and contributing to local economies in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian IT firms swiftly adapted to remote work models and helped their clients transition to digital-first operations. This agility has further enhanced their reputation as reliable technology partners.
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Despite their success, Indian IT giants are facing several challenges:
Talent Shortage: The demand for skilled professionals in emerging technologies like AI, data science, and cybersecurity is outpacing supply.
Rising Competition: Global IT service providers and emerging startups are increasing competition for contracts and talent.
Geopolitical Risks: Changing visa policies in the US and Europe and growing protectionist sentiments could impact their ability to operate smoothly in key markets.
Pressure on Margins: As clients demand more value at lower costs, maintaining profit margins remains a constant challenge.
The Road Ahead
To sustain their growth, Indian IT giants are investing heavily in upskilling their workforce, adopting automation tools, expanding digital service offerings, and focusing on innovation. Many of these companies are also looking at mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their global footprints and capabilities.
In the coming years, areas like cloud computing, AI, machine learning, IoT, and cybersecurity will dominate the IT services landscape. Indian IT companies are well-positioned to lead in these areas due to their established global presence, deep domain expertise, and continuous focus on innovation.