IMF Chief Says India’s Digital Ecosystem Expands AI Access for Developing Countries
IMF Chief Georgieva lauds India for expanding AI access globally, while cautioning about job market disruptions.
India is emerging as a major player in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, helping to make the technology accessible not only to its own citizens but also to developing countries worldwide, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday.
Speaking at the Asia in 2050 Conference in Bangkok, Georgieva highlighted the transformative potential of AI for the global economy, with Asia positioned as a central driver of this change. “AI could increase Asia’s economic growth by nearly one percentage point every year if countries successfully use the technology to improve productivity,” she said.
The IMF chief credited India’s extensive digital ecosystem, rapidly growing technology sector, and youthful workforce with playing a key role in making AI tools more widely available. She said these factors enable India to help other developing nations adopt AI solutions, promoting equitable access to advanced technologies.
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At the same time, Georgieva cautioned that AI’s rise could disrupt labour markets across the region. While demand may grow for both highly skilled and low-skilled workers, many middle-level roles face pressure from automation. Entry-level jobs, particularly those involving routine tasks, could be especially vulnerable, creating uncertainty for young graduates entering the workforce.
To mitigate these challenges, the IMF chief stressed the need for governments to invest in digital infrastructure, expand skills training, and ensure workers can adapt to rapidly changing technologies. “Building an adaptable workforce and encouraging continuous learning will be key to benefiting from AI while minimising its risks,” she noted.
Georgieva concluded by underscoring the importance of early preparation: countries that proactively invest in their people and digital capacities are more likely to reap the benefits of AI-driven growth, while those that delay may risk falling behind in the increasingly competitive global economy.
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