India must scale tech investment to lead the AI Era

DR. DEEPAK KUMAR SAHU
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, VARINDIA

“The INFOTECH FORUM has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event for technologists, OEMs, and select strategic partners. This year’s forum is designed to be a transformative experience—fostering collaboration, inspiring innovation, and driving impactful discourse. India’s $250 billion IT industry commands global attention, largely due to software service exports, but domestic IT spending accounts for just 1% of the global total—a critical shortfall. Global compute spending, currently at $250 billion annually, presents a $1 trillion opportunity over four years. By investing in this space, India has the potential to unlock innovation in healthcare, education, agriculture, and climate resilience, while also supporting its renewable energy ambitions.

We are entering an era defined by AI, hybrid cloud, and purpose-driven technology. This transformation is not only about digital tools— it’s about elevating human potential. AI is not here to replace us; it’s here to elevate us. This is not just digital transformation—it is human transformation. AI-powered operations are already transforming enterprises today. We are moving from product-centric models to immersive “Storyworlds,” from rigid funnels to dynamic ecosystems, and from mere metrics to meaningful outcomes. At the heart of this shift lies a truth: while technology is reshaping our world, it’s the stories we create with it that build trust and deliver lasting impact. As the demand for AI workloads grows, so does the need for high-density compute environments—straining existing data center infrastructure, especially in cooling. This presents a timely opportunity for VARs and partners.

Amid this transformation, we are proud to launch the 14th edition of the Brand Book, a celebration of the remarkable growth of India’s technology sector. This edition showcases how leading tech companies are redefining innovation and driving the country’s digital transformation. AI is also reshaping cybersecurity—delivering faster threat detection (60%), quicker incident resolution (70%), and improved phishing detection accuracy (up to 98%). But with opportunity comes risk, as attackers also harness AI to scale sophisticated threats. In this rapidly evolving landscape, AI is no longer optional—it is essential. Let us build a secure, borderless digital future and protect the data powering our interconnected world.”