A recent report by Autodesk, titled “2025 State of Design & Make,” has revealed that India is leading the Asia-Pacific region in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to meet sustainability goals. The study found that more than half of Indian business leaders are using AI to deliver environmentally responsible outcomes, exceeding the global and APAC averages. In fact, 52% of Indian companies are already using AI to support sustainability initiatives, compared to a global average of 39%.
Indian business leaders are optimistic about the role of AI, with 79% believing that it will enhance their industry, compared to a global average of 69%. The report also highlights that 61% of Indian leaders recognize AI’s potential to disrupt their industry, with 65% of digitally mature organizations anticipating significant shifts.
The report notes that Indian companies are viewing sustainability as a core business strategy rather than a compliance requirement. As a result, 86% of Indian leaders believe that sustainability initiatives could contribute over 5% to annual revenue. Digitally mature firms are also seeing the benefits of sustainability efforts, with 84% saying that it is helping to attract and retain talent.
However, the report also points to a significant skills shortage, with 67% of Indian business leaders citing the lack of skilled workers as a limiting factor for growth. In response, 78% of Indian companies plan to increase investment in digital skills training over the next three years.
Alok Sharma, Director AEC, Autodesk India and SAARC, commented, “Indian businesses are not just adopting AI, they’re using it with purpose. By integrating AI into their sustainability efforts, they’re turning compliance into competitive advantage.” He added that investing in skills, especially AI fluency, will be key to unlocking future growth.
While Indian businesses remain broadly optimistic about AI’s potential, trust is becoming an issue, with confidence in companies’ decision-making regarding AI declining slightly to 81% from 85% last year. Overall trust in AI has also dipped, standing at 79% compared to 82% in 2024. Despite this, Indian businesses continue to see the immense potential of AI, and the commitment to long-term investment remains strong.