India’s Rising Role as a Global Tech Leader: NASSCOM President Highlights Industry Growth and Innovation

India is becoming a major player in the global tech sector, driven by its digital economy and skilled workforce. Rajesh Nambiar, President of NASSCOM, shared at Global Confluence 2025 that India’s IT industry will be valued at Rs. 24.44 lakh crore (US$ 283 billion) by FY25 and could reach Rs. 25.91 lakh crore (US$ 300 billion) by FY26. India’s digital economy is projected to contribute over Rs. 86.36 lakh crore (US$ 1 trillion) to GDP by 2030. The country’s workforce includes 5.8 million professionals, representing 28% of the global STEM talent and 23% of software engineers.

India also has 34,000 tech startups, including 3,600 in deep-tech fields like AI and quantum computing. India’s strong digital infrastructure and expanding Global Capability Centres (GCCs) reinforce its status as a tech hub. Nambiar stressed India’s ability to attract foreign investment and foster a thriving startup ecosystem.

India’s Rising Role as a Global Tech Leader: NASSCOM President Highlights Industry Growth and Innovation

India has emerged as a major force in the global technology landscape, driven by its rapidly expanding digital economy and large pool of skilled professionals. At the Global Confluence 2025, Rajesh Nambiar, President of NASSCOM (India’s leading tech industry association), highlighted the country’s impressive growth trajectory.

According to his insights, India’s IT sector is projected to hit a valuation of ₹24.44 lakh crore (approximately $283 billion) by the end of the 2024–25 financial year. This growth is expected to continue, with the industry likely to reach ₹25.91 lakh crore ($300 billion) in the following year (FY26). Nambiar also emphasized that India’s digital economy could contribute a staggering ₹86.36 lakh crore ($1 trillion) to the nation’s GDP by 2030, underscoring its transformative potential.

A Talent-Driven Success Story

Central to this growth is India’s vast workforce. The country employs 5.8 million professionals in the tech sector, representing 28% of the world’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce. Additionally, nearly a quarter (23%) of all software engineers globally are based in India. This talent pool not only fuels innovation but also positions the country as a preferred destination for global companies seeking expertise in software development, data analytics, and emerging technologies.

Startups and Innovation

India’s tech ecosystem thrives on innovation, with over 34,000 technology startups operating across the country. Among these, 3,600 are focused on cutting-edge “deep-tech” fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, robotics, and blockchain. These startups are solving complex challenges in healthcare, agriculture, finance, and sustainability, showcasing India’s ability to blend creativity with technical expertise. For instance, AI-driven platforms are improving access to education in rural areas, while agri-tech startups are helping farmers optimize crop yields using data analytics.

Digital Infrastructure: The Backbone of Growth

A key factor behind India’s tech success is its robust digital infrastructure. Initiatives like Aadhaar (the world’s largest digital ID system), Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for instant transactions, and widespread internet connectivity have created a foundation for innovation and inclusivity. Over 80% of Indians now have access to the internet, enabling even remote communities to participate in the digital economy. This infrastructure has also attracted Global Capability Centres (GCCs)—offices set up by multinational companies to leverage India’s talent for research, development, and IT services. Today, India hosts over 1,500 GCCs, serving as hubs for global innovation.

Foreign Investment and Global Partnerships

India’s tech sector continues to draw significant foreign investment, reflecting global confidence in its potential. In recent years, multinational corporations have increased their investments in Indian startups, R&D centers, and digital projects. This influx of capital has accelerated the growth of homegrown companies while fostering collaborations between Indian firms and international partners. Nambiar pointed out that such partnerships are critical for developing solutions to global challenges, from climate change to cybersecurity.

The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, India aims to solidify its position as a leader in shaping global technology trends. The government’s focus on initiatives like “Digital India” and “Make in India” has created a supportive environment for tech innovation. Additionally, policies promoting ease of doing business and startup-friendly regulations have encouraged entrepreneurship. For example, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics manufacturing has boosted India’s capabilities in hardware production, reducing reliance on imports.

Nambiar also stressed the importance of sustainability in this growth. Many Indian tech firms are now prioritizing green technologies, such as energy-efficient data centers and AI-powered tools for environmental monitoring. These efforts align with global goals to combat climate change while opening new avenues for economic growth.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Bridging the digital divide in rural areas, upskilling workers to keep pace with evolving technologies, and ensuring cybersecurity are critical focus areas. However, India’s track record of adapting to change—such as its rapid adoption of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic—suggests a capacity to tackle these hurdles.

In summary, India’s blend of skilled talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and forward-thinking policies has made it indispensable to the global tech ecosystem. As the country continues to innovate and collaborate, it is poised to play a pivotal role in defining the future of technology—not just for itself, but for the world. Whether through groundbreaking startups, strategic global partnerships, or transformative digital tools, India’s journey from a services hub to a tech innovator is reshaping industries and inspiring the next wave of digital transformation.