Tech Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra has expressed confidence that artificial intelligence will reinforce rather than weaken India's IT services industry. Addressing shareholders during the company's 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mahindra dismissed concerns that AI could make traditional IT services obsolete, arguing that every major technological shift has generated similar fears before ultimately creating new opportunities. He said the role of IT services will evolve with AI and become even more critical as businesses increasingly adopt intelligent technologies.
Mahindra explained that the next phase of enterprise AI will focus less on standalone AI models and more on helping organizations integrate artificial intelligence into their own business processes, data ecosystems, and operational workflows. As companies expand AI adoption, they will require trusted technology partners capable of deploying, governing, and managing these systems at scale. This shift, he noted, creates a significant opportunity for IT service providers to move beyond software implementation and become long-term strategic partners.
During his address, Mahindra also highlighted the importance of developing India's own AI capabilities. He said the country should aim not only to use AI technologies developed elsewhere but also to become a creator of advanced AI solutions. Building sovereign AI capabilities, investing in innovation, and strengthening digital infrastructure will help position India as a trusted contributor to the global AI ecosystem.
The Tech Mahindra chairman observed that artificial intelligence will reshape business models, software development, and workplace processes across industries. However, he stressed that organizations will continue to rely on experienced technology partners to ensure AI systems are secure, compliant, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. Rather than reducing demand for IT expertise, AI is expected to increase the need for consulting, integration, governance, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation services. The growing complexity of enterprise AI deployments is likely to expand the role of IT services instead of diminishing it.
Mahindra also pointed to Tech Mahindra's continued focus on AI-led business transformation, highlighting the company's efforts to develop enterprise solutions that combine artificial intelligence with industry expertise. The company believes future growth will come from helping clients modernize operations, improve productivity, and unlock new business value through responsible AI adoption.
As artificial intelligence becomes a central part of global business strategy, industry leaders increasingly view IT services as an essential bridge between advanced AI technologies and practical enterprise implementation. Mahindra's remarks reinforce the view that the future of the IT sector lies not in competing with AI, but in enabling organizations to adopt it effectively, securely, and at scale.
