India Leads Globally In Self-Reported AI Skills, Says UNDP Report
A global survey conducted by UNDP found that although half of the respondents believe AI could eventually automate their jobs
India has emerged as the global leader in self-reported artificial intelligence (AI) skills penetration, reflecting its growing prominence in the field, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In its 2025 Human Development Report titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the UNDP highlights India's rapid progress in harnessing AI to drive innovation and inclusive development.
The report, released on Tuesday, notes that India’s expanding tech ecosystem—bolstered by a talent pool of over five million software developers—is fueling advancements in AI applications across critical sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. The integration of AI into these areas, the report suggests, is empowering farmers, improving service delivery, and enhancing productivity, particularly among small businesses and underserved communities.
UNDP Human Development Report Office Director Pedro Conceicao emphasized the pivotal role AI could play in reversing the global slowdown in human development. With the right policies and a focus on people, AI can be a powerful bridge to new knowledge, skills, and ideas that uplift individuals from farmers to entrepreneurs, he said.
Globally, human development progress is facing unprecedented stagnation, with the 2025 report revealing stalled Human Development Index (HDI) growth across all regions. Despite this, the Asia-Pacific region stands out for its resilience and gains. Between 1990 and 2023, South Asia and East Asia & the Pacific saw their HDI values rise by over 50 per cent, reaching 0.672 and 0.775 respectively. South Asia also recorded the highest annual HDI increase globally in 2023, at 4.8 per cent.
AI Could Eventually Automate Their Jobs
The report stresses that while AI is not a cure-all, it offers a unique opportunity to reshape development strategies. A global survey conducted by UNDP found that although half of the respondents believe AI could eventually automate their jobs, 60 per cent expect it to positively influence employment, potentially creating entirely new roles and industries.
Calling for a human-centred approach to AI, the report outlines three areas for action: fostering collaboration between humans and AI, embedding human oversight in AI systems, and updating education and health infrastructures to meet contemporary needs. Encouragingly, one in five survey respondents worldwide already use AI, and in countries with lower human development, two-thirds expect to apply AI in education, healthcare, or work within the next year.
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner urged urgent exploration of AI’s developmental potential amid global challenges. “The choices we make now will define how this technology serves humanity. AI can ignite a new era of opportunity—if guided with inclusivity and foresight,” he said.
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