India Driving Tech Growth and Job Opportunities, Says OpenAI Chief

OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman highlighted India’s rapid adoption of advanced digital tools at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, emphasizing that the country is emerging as a major global market for these technologies. He noted that more than 100 million people in India now use ChatGPT every week, placing it among the largest user bases globally.

Speaking from Bharat Mandapam, Altman said young professionals, students, and businesses across sectors, including education and professional services, are actively using new tools in daily workflows. “It is amazing to be here, obviously the work happening in India and the adoption … and I can’t wait to see what goes next,” he said, emphasizing India’s scale of engagement and rapid uptake.

OpenAI’s engagement with the Indian market is expanding. In addition to its first permanent office in New Delhi, the company plans to open new offices in Bengaluru and Mumbai later this year, building deeper integration with local developers, enterprises, and users.

Altman also noted that more than a third of weekly users are students, illustrating how early exposure to advanced tools is becoming part of education and professional development pathways.

Impact on Jobs and the Nature of Work

A central theme of Altman’s address was the effect of technology on employment. When asked about job displacement concerns, he said, “It will definitely impact the job market, but we always find new things to do, and I have no doubt we will find lots of better ones this time.” 

He placed this view in historical context, referencing how major shifts such as industrial mechanisation and computing have changed work patterns but ultimately created new opportunities. Altman emphasised that while some routine roles will evolve or decline, demand for creative, problem-solving, people‑centred and higher‑value work is likely to grow as technology use deepens.

Industry executives and policymakers spoke about the importance of reskilling and workforce readiness, with many employers and education providers expanding training programs to ensure workers can adapt to changing roles. Companies highlighted that early familiarity with digital tools in education and on the job can help people transition into emerging areas such as software development, data analysis, project coordination, and human services.

Such workforce initiatives are increasingly central in corporate planning. Several large Indian firms and industry groups at the summit reiterated their commitment to workforce development, including internal training programs and partnerships with educational institutions to prepare employees for evolving job demands.

Workforce Development and Industry Partnerships

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held from February 16–20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, drew global executives, government officials, and business leaders to discuss technology adoption and workforce implications. Beyond keynote speeches, the event featured discussions on preparing workers for future job requirements and creating pathways for long-term employment growth.

Partnerships announced during the summit included a strategic collaboration between OpenAI and Tata Consultancy Services. This agreement aims to support Indian companies in expanding infrastructure, integrating enterprise tools, and building workforce capabilities that enable employees to focus on higher‑value work.

Officials and business leaders emphasised that education, digital literacy, and accessible training are key to enabling workforce adaptation. Some companies unveiled plans to invest in localized training programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities that help workers build relevant skills while continuing to contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

Addressing job trends, industry representatives highlighted that India’s large and youthful workforce, combined with widespread technology use, creates conditions for significant employment growth in emerging areas. Several experts attending the summit pointed to expanding opportunities in sectors such as software, data analytics, healthcare support, and technical services roles that leverage both human strengths and technical fluency.