Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and India stands out as one of the key beneficiaries of this technological revolution. Vala Afshar, the Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce, recently highlighted India’s strategic position among the top three countries poised to capitalize on the AI wave, alongside giants like the United States and China.

During discussions at Dreamforce 2025, Afshar expressed strong confidence in India’s potential, describing the nation as an emerging global superpower in AI innovation. This growth is supported by India’s robust IT services sector, vast pool of digital talent, and an increasing surge of AI-first startups dedicated to developing innovative AI-powered applications.

India’s IT industry, long recognized for its software services, is witnessing a profound shift fueled by AI, automation, and machine learning. Companies such as Sarvam AI, Krutrim, and Ganit Inc. exemplify this transition, leveraging India’s deep talent resources and open-source ecosystems to create AI solutions that enhance analytics, automate customer service, and streamline production processes. These advancements are not only transforming traditional enterprises but also accelerating industrial automation at scale.

Afshar emphasized that AI is quickly evolving from a luxury technology exclusive to large tech firms to a fundamental asset for businesses across sectors. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of India’s economy, AI can be a transformative driver—helping them automate routine tasks, improve operational efficiency, unlock predictive insights, and offer customized customer experiences. This can translate into scalable growth, increased competitiveness, and better compliance with evolving regulations.

Highlighting the broader landscape, India currently ranks third globally in terms of unicorn startups, trailing only the US and China. This vibrant startup ecosystem is a testament to India’s capacity for innovation, driven by a mix of technology, entrepreneurial talent, and supportive infrastructure. Afshar’s comments reflect a larger trend where India is not just participating in the AI era but is rapidly becoming a hub for global AI innovation and digital transformation.

Furthermore, AI’s integration into business processes in India is expected to foster smarter decision-making and cost efficiencies, crucial for companies navigating an ever-changing market environment. As industries adopt AI at an unprecedented pace, the technology is anticipated to be as essential as electricity within the next five years, fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate and compete.

Salesforce’s engagement with the Indian market reinforces this optimistic outlook. With India contributing significantly to the company’s growth, Salesforce is betting on the country’s talent and innovation to be at the forefront of their AI ecosystem globally.

Investors and market watchers alike are paying close attention to such sector-specific developments, as AI continues to introduce both opportunities and volatility across global markets. India’s rise in the AI domain is not just a story of technological advancement but also of economic transformation, promising new avenues for growth and leadership on the world stage.

In summary, India’s ascent as a major AI powerhouse is supported by its large talent pool, dynamic startup ecosystem, and the increasing adoption of AI technologies across industries. Vala Afshar’s insights underscore India’s readiness to seize the AI super-cycle, positioning the country for significant growth and innovation in the years to come.