TLDR: A recent statement from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) emphasizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical factor for enhancing India’s competitiveness across both manufacturing and service sectors. CII projects India’s economy to grow between 6.4-6.7% in 2025-26, driven by strong domestic demand despite geopolitical uncertainties. The industry body calls for urgent reforms and improved ease of doing business to bolster the manufacturing sector and leverage AI for future growth.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has underscored the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping India’s future economic landscape, identifying it as a national priority for boosting the country’s competitiveness. According to CII President Rajiv Memani, AI is set to significantly impact both the manufacturing and service sectors, driving efficiency and innovation.
CII projects a robust economic growth for India, estimating a range of 6.4-6.7% for the fiscal year 2025-26. This optimistic outlook is primarily fueled by strong domestic demand, which is expected to counteract potential risks posed by ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Memani highlighted the necessity for the government to implement further reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, particularly within the manufacturing sector, to ensure sustained growth and global competitiveness.
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The industry body’s agenda prominently features reforms, ease of doing business, manufacturing, and AI as core themes that will define India’s long-term competitive edge. The emphasis on AI reflects a strategic recognition of its transformative potential, not just in enhancing productivity but also in positioning India as a leader in advanced manufacturing and a beneficiary of the services sector’s evolution. The discussions also touched upon the impact of various trade deals, including anticipated agreements with the US, and the need for Indian industries to adapt to increased competitive intensity as tariffs decrease, further stressing the urgency of business reforms and technological adoption like AI.
