Tata Power Solaroof Surpasses 5 Lakh Rooftop Solar Installations; Facilitates

* Over ₹8,500 Crore In Solar Financing Across Indian Market

* Targets 30 Lakh Installations by 2029; Supports PMSGY through its ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ Initiative

• ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ initiative launched across 11 States & 1 UT, covering a cumulative population of over 90 crores

• Supported by 700+ channel partners and 250+ authorised service partners across the country

Tata Power Solaroof, part of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited, has crossed the milestone of 5 lakh rooftop solar installations across India, marking a significant step in the adoption of distributed renewable energy across residential, commercial and industrial segments. The company has completed 5,19,673 installations (as of July 31, 2026), representing a 14% market share, and is targeting 30 lakh installations by 2029.

The milestone further strengthens Tata Power Solaroof’s position as one of India’s leading rooftop solar providers. CRISIL has recognised Tata Power Solaroof as India’s No. 1 rooftop solar player for 12 consecutive years, reflecting its scale, execution capabilities and sustained presence in the sector.

With rooftop solar emerging as an increasingly attractive solution for reducing electricity costs and enhancing energy resilience, Tata Power Solaroof is expanding access through its nationwide ecosystem of 700+ channel partners and 250+ authorised service partners. This network enables the company to provide localised support across the customer journey, from consultation and system design to installation, commissioning and after-sales service.

Under its ‘Quality Lifelong’ promise, Tata Power Solaroof combines high-efficiency solar modules with comprehensive warranties, financing options, insurance protection and service support. Its solar modules come with 25/30-year performance warranties, while systems are backed by a minimum five-year warranty. The company’s service proposition includes an initial response to customer service requests within two hours and resolution within 48 hours, reinforcing its focus on reliability and long-term ownership experience.

Accelerating Rooftop Solar Adoption through ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’

Tata Power Solaroof continues to support the Government of India’s rooftop solar ambitions through its flagship ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ initiative, aligned with the objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Launched in 2024, the initiative has expanded to 11 states and one Union Territory, including Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Bihar, collectively covering a population of over 90 crore.

Through awareness campaigns, on-ground engagement and simplified access to rooftop solar solutions, ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’ is helping consumers understand the economic and environmental benefits of generating their own clean electricity. The initiative also addresses key adoption barriers through financing solutions and an expanding service ecosystem.

To make rooftop solar more accessible, Tata Power Solaroof offers financing through leading banks and NBFCs. Under the Special Financing Scheme launched through ‘Ghar Ghar Solar’, eligible residential consumers can access financing with down-payment options as low as zero, helping address the upfront cost barrier for households that may not be able to meet the 10% down-payment requirement under the PM Surya Ghar financing framework.

For C&I customers, the company offers a range of financing solutions in partnership with PSUs and NBFCs, including its SunSmart Flexi EMI Scheme—a ‘Pay As You Save’ model designed to align repayments with projected solar energy generation. These solutions enable businesses to reduce upfront capital requirements while leveraging long-term savings from solar power.

Tata Power Solaroof has so far facilitated over ₹8,500 crore of financing through a network of 25+ financing partners, helping more consumers and businesses access rooftop solar solutions.

Enabling Businesses to Transition to Renewable Energy

Tata Power Solaroof is also expanding its footprint across the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) segment, serving enterprises across sectors including textiles, steel, cold storage, information technology, hospitality, biotechnology, FMCG, consumer durables, automotive, data centres and tea estates.

Its solutions are designed to help businesses reduce their dependence on conventional power, improve energy economics and advance their sustainability objectives. The company provides customised solutions spanning system design, engineering, installation, financing and post-installation support, enabling enterprises to integrate renewable energy into their operations at scale.

Enabling Energy Independence Beyond Sunlight Hours

Recognising that true energy independence goes beyond generating clean power during daylight hours, Tata Power has expanded its portfolio to include battery energy storage solutions under the Tata Power Battery Storage brand. By combining rooftop solar with battery storage, consumers can store excess solar power generated during the day and use it when the sun is not shining—enabling greater utilisation of clean energy beyond sunlight hours, while enhancing energy resilience and reducing dependence on grid power.

For residential customers, the Mysine portfolio offers advanced battery storage systems ranging from 5 kWh to 40 kWh, enabling homeowners to store surplus solar generation and use it during evenings, nights or periods of low sunlight. This helps households maximise the value of their rooftop solar systems and move closer to round-the-clock energy independence powered by clean energy.

For Commercial & Industrial (C&I) customers, the PowerHub portfolio provides scalable battery energy storage solutions ranging from 60 kWh to 5 MWh, with further scalability based on specific operational and load requirements. These systems enable businesses to optimise renewable energy consumption, manage peak power requirements and extend the use of clean power beyond solar generation hours.

Together, rooftop solar and battery storage create an integrated clean energy ecosystem that allows consumers to generate, store, manage and use clean power when they need it. This combination not only improves energy resilience but also takes consumers closer to a future of greater energy independence—where clean power generated during the day can power homes and businesses well beyond sunset.

Consumers interested in Tata Power Solaroof’s rooftop solar solutions can contact the dedicated helpline at 1800 257 7777.

Credlix Crosses USD 1 Billion In Export Financing For MSMEs Across Indian Market

* USD 100 million committed towards the India-Mexico corridor in FY27

Credlix, the cross-border trade financing platform by Moglix, has crossed USD 1 billion in export financing, supporting more than 1,000 MSME exporters across India, Mexico, the US, the Middle East and Singapore. Credlix brings together an RBI-regulated NBFC in India and an IFSCA-regulated GIFT City entity, a combination that allows it to support the manufacturer at home and the buyer abroad. Mexico is one corridor where that combination is being put to use.

The company has committed more than USD 100 million towards financing Mexican companies in FY27, supporting Indian manufacturers who supply buyers in Mexico, as bilateral trade between the two countries reached over USD 11 billion. Reflecting this engagement, the Embassy of India recently brought Mr Rahul Garg, Founder and CEO, Moglix, Credlix and Cognilix, together with India's Ambassador to Mexico, Dr Pankaj Sharma, Mr Jose Mora Medina, President, Coparmex, and Mr Juan Pablo Medina Mora Icaza, CEO of the same organisation, to discuss opportunities for deeper India-Mexico business ties.

The corridor reflects a wider need. India's merchandise exports have started FY27 on a strong note, reaching USD 173.78 billion between April and July, registering 17.04% growth. As Indian businesses expand overseas, timely working capital becomes increasingly important, particularly for MSME exporters managing longer payment cycles. Export factoring can help bridge this gap by funding exporters against overseas receivables, helping them manage cash flow and take on larger international orders.

Commenting on the milestone, Rahul Garg, Founder and CEO, Credlix, said, "India's export factoring market is still at an early stage compared with more developed markets, where factoring is significantly more established. With factoring penetration in India at below 1% of exports, there is an opportunity to build greater awareness and specialist capabilities to help MSMEs secure export finance and scale their global businesses. At Credlix, we are focused on building these capabilities and helping more Indian exporters obtain the working capital they need to grow across global markets."

Credlix's export factoring model enables financing in major export currencies such as USD, EUR and GBP. For FY27, the company targets financing more than USD 500 million of exports from India alone.

Pramit Joshi, Senior Vice President, Credlix, said, "India has made significant progress in building digital and formal financing infrastructure for MSMEs, and export financing calls for a further set of capabilities alongside it. Domestic mechanisms such as TReDS were designed for a different context, where buyer verification, KYC, recovery processes and regulatory requirements work differently from overseas trade. Building stronger participation from overseas buyers and developing the capabilities needed to manage cross-border receivables can help more Indian MSMEs access export finance, take on larger international orders and expand into new markets. This will be increasingly important as India realises the market-access opportunities created through FTAs, since the benefit of these agreements will ultimately depend on our ability to convert market access into sustained export growth."

About Credlix

Credlix is a cross-border trade financing platform enabling MSME exporters and manufacturers to secure working capital and expand into global markets, through specialised solutions including export factoring that help businesses manage longer payment cycles and overseas buyer risk.

With an RBI-regulated NBFC in India and an IFSCA-regulated entity in GIFT City, Credlix supports domestic and cross-border financing requirements. It has an overseas presence across the US, Mexico, the Middle East and Singapore, and works with exporters across sectors including pharmaceuticals, plastics, automobiles, engineering goods, packaged foods and chemicals.  

Senior Care Experts Call For Long-Term Care To Be Recognised As A Distinct Insurable Risk

Photo caption: Dr. Karthik Narayan R, Founder & MD, Athulya Senior Care and Chairperson, CII Committee on Senior Care, with Dr. S. Prakash, CEO, GIC Health Insurance, and Mr. Shyam Viswanathan, Co-Founder, Dementia India Alliance (DIA) and Association for Healthy Ageing (AHA), at the GIC Health Insurance Meet in Mumbai.

* General Insurance Council (GIC) agrees to form a working group to advance insurance coverage for long-term senior healthcare

India’s rapidly ageing population is creating a growing need for healthcare and care services that extend beyond episodic hospitalisation. As longevity increases, prolonged rehabilitation, nursing and palliative care, assistance with daily activities, dementia supervision and residential care are emerging as sustained financial needs for families.

The need for a structured approach to financing such care was discussed at the General Insurance Council (GIC) Council Meeting held in Mumbai on September 4, 2026. Against this backdrop, senior care and insurance experts have called for Long-Term Care (LTC) to be recognised as a distinct, insurable risk, separate from acute hospitalisation.

The proposed framework recommends a phased approach that enables insurers and senior-care stakeholders to build experience, generate Indian data and progressively develop sustainable LTC products. The key recommendations include:

Recognising Long-Term Care (LTC) as a distinct, insurable risk category, separate from acute hospitalisation and focused on prolonged care and loss of independence.

Introducing LTC and cognitive-impairment riders on existing retail and group health insurance policies, providing an initial pathway to address an underserved need.

Developing standalone Long-Term Care and assisted-living insurance products over a 2–3-year horizon, with benefits linked to defined care-dependency triggers, including inability to perform a specified number of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or significant cognitive impairment.

Linking insurance coverage to licensed and accredited care facilities that meet defined quality and safety standards, supporting greater confidence in care delivery and network empanelment.

Simplifying claims and assessment processes for cognitive impairment, including elder-friendly claims procedures and standardised assessment formats that can be used by treating clinicians.

Exploring premium incentives and tax-linked support for LTC products to improve affordability and encourage wider adoption.

Piloting LTC products and riders before developing comprehensive offerings, through structured dialogue between insurers and senior-care stakeholders to generate real-world utilisation, dependency, rehabilitation, caregiver and cost data to inform product design and pricing.

While government programmes and private health insurance provide important layers of healthcare protection, significant expenditure on caregivers, rehabilitation, home healthcare, dementia care, assisted living and continuing care remains out-of-pocket for families. The proposed approach seeks to bridge the gap between financing medical treatment and financing prolonged care and dependency.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R, Founder & MD, Athulya Senior Care, and Chairperson CII Committee on Senior Care said, “India’s ageing journey is changing the nature of healthcare demand. As people live longer, a larger proportion will require support with daily activities, rehabilitation, assisted living or cognitive care for extended periods. These needs can place a considerable financial burden on families because traditional health insurance is largely designed around medical treatment and hospitalisation. Recognising long-term care as a distinct insurable risk can help bridge this gap and give families greater financial predictability. A phased approach, beginning with riders and group pilots and gradually evolving towards comprehensive LTC products, can help build a sustainable model for India.”

Dr S Prakash, CEO of GIC Health, highlighted the insurance industry’s potential role in addressing care needs for India’s ageing population. Commenting on this, he said, “Insurance companies want to have an Inclusive approach to help penetrate health insurance in India. To do this effectively for elderly citizens, we need clear guidelines on who qualifies for coverage, how care needs are assessed, quality standards for care providers, and fair pricing. This can be done via a phased approach, starting with pilot programmes and employer-linked insurance plans to cover elderly can help insurers gain experience and collect data. This foundation should enable insurers to design better, more sustainable long-term care products over time.”

Mr. Shyam Viswanathan, Co-Founder of Dementia India Alliance (DIA) and Association for Healthy Ageing (AHA), said: “Dementia is a particularly important consideration in long-term care, since the need for support may prolong over several years - and well beyond the treatment of the underlying medical condition. Families often have to manage the costs of supervision, daily assistance and supportive or residential care. Insurance products that recognise long-term care and dependency as distinct financial risks will provide families with greater choice and security. It is equally important to have caregiver-friendly claims processes and access to a variety of care settings, apart from hospitals.’’  

Anaplan Opens First Customer Experience Center In APAC as Part Of Multi-Million-Dollar Expansion

* New Gurugram facility becomes Anaplan’s largest global office, positioning India as a strategic hub for AI leadership, product development and enterprise innovation

Anaplan, a leading AI-driven scenario planning and analysis platform that serves as the decision infrastructure for the Agentic Enterprise, announced a multi-million-dollar investment to expand its Asia-Pacific (APAC) presence. As part of the initiative, Anaplan has opened its largest office to date in Gurugram, India, featuring the company’s first Customer Experience Center in the region.

“APAC is critical to Anaplan’s growth, ongoing innovation and AI leadership,” said Charles Gottdiener, Chief Executive Officer, Anaplan. “As enterprises across the region navigate increasing complexity, they need a decision infrastructure that allows them to move with speed, precision and confidence. Our investment in Gurugram as a strategic hub accelerates our growth and brings world-class talent and AI-focused innovation closer to the organizations we serve.”

Accelerating APAC Momentum

The expansion builds on Anaplan’s rapid growth across the APAC region. Recent milestones include:

Financial growth: APAC was Anaplan's fastest growing region for net new bookings last fiscal year.

Expanding footprint: Anaplan now boasts more than 500 employees across nine APAC offices, bolstered by new data centers in India, Indonesia, Singapore to support local data residency.

Enterprise adoption: Over 500 regional customers, including Bridgestone, Cebu Pacific, Canva, Mitsui Chemicals, Mizuho Bank and Omron Healthcare rely on Anaplan for complex decision-making across finance, supply chain, sales and workforce planning.

A New Hub for Innovation in India

Created in partnership with DLF India, the country’s largest real estate developer, Anaplan’s new 42,000-square-foot Gurugram facility can accommodate up to 500 employees. The space brings together engineering, product development, go-to-market, customer support, marketing and human resources teams in one of India’s leading markets for enterprise technology talent.

Gurugram-based teams will be instrumental in shaping Anaplan’s global product roadmap and advancing its framework for the Agentic Enterprise — an integrated operating model where role-based AI agents run routine operations across finance, supply chain, HR and sales.

The facility’s dedicated Customer Experience Center offers enterprise leaders a hands-on environment to test role-based AI agents and explore interactive scenario planning use cases, providing a tangible look at how agentic AI drives resource allocation and accelerates decision velocity at scale.

“The caliber of India’s engineering and AI talent is world-class,” said Sanket Deodhar, India Head, Anaplan. “Our customers, like Deepak Fertilizers, Alkem, Daimler Commercia Vehicles, and Hero Fincorp, span a number of India’s most critical industries, reflecting the massive reach of our platform across the country’s economy. India’s largest enterprises need agility at scale, and from Gurugram, our teams will help build and deliver the agentic AI capabilities that make that possible.”

About Anaplan

Anaplan is a leading AI-driven scenario planning and analysis platform designed to optimize decision-making in today’s complex business environment so that enterprises can outpace their competition and the market. By building connections and collaboration across organizational silos, our platform intelligently surfaces key insights — so businesses can make the right decisions, right now. More than 2,800 global brands plan with Anaplan. To learn more, visit www.anaplan.com.

UST And Italdesign Unite Design, Engineering, And AI To Shape The Future Of Mobility

* UST acquires a majority stake in Italdesign to unite Italdesign’s iconic design and engineering legacy with UST’s AI, engineering, and transformation capabilities.

UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has completed the acquisition of the majority stake in Italdesign from the Audi Group. As the automotive industry rapidly shifts toward software-defined, AI-enabled, and increasingly connected vehicles, the partnership brings together Italdesign’s world-renowned design and engineering expertise with US-based UST’s strengths in automotive engineering, AI, software-defined vehicles, and digital ecosystem design. Together, the companies will help manufacturers address the growing complexity of next-generation mobility by accelerating innovation from concept through production.

The partnership reflects a shared belief that the future of mobility will be shaped by the convergence of design, engineering, software, and artificial intelligence while keeping human creativity at the center of innovation.

For nearly six decades, Italdesign has helped shape some of the world's most recognizable vehicles through its unique combination of design creativity and engineering excellence. Combined with UST's expertise in AI, digital engineering and software-defined vehicles, the partnership creates new opportunities to design, engineer, and deliver intelligent, connected products that will define the next generation of mobility.

“We didn’t invest in Italdesign simply because of its capabilities. We invested because of its people, its heritage, and its extraordinary reputation for turning bold ideas into world-class products. By uniting Italdesign’s renowned design and engineering capabilities with UST’s expertise in digital engineering, AI, and technology transformation, we’re building a platform to help shape the future of mobility,” said Vijay Padmanabhan, Chief Financial Officer, UST.

“Our customers increasingly need partners who can connect design, engineering, software, and AI. Together with Italdesign, we'll help our customers move from concept to production faster while preserving the creativity and engineering excellence that define great products,” said Gilroy Mathew, Chief Operating Officer, UST.

“We bring nearly 60 years of experience and a unique credibility in the global automotive industry to this partnership. We will continue to operate as Italdesign, with our values and distinctive competencies, based on a holistic and multidisciplinary approach and an increasing focus on sustainability, while benefiting from UST’s global scale, digital engineering expertise, AI capabilities, and global client relationships,” said Antonio Casu, Chief Executive Officer, Italdesign.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Headquartered in the United States, UST is powered by technology, driven by AI, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our AI-driven digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive business outcomes. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients' organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process.

Visit us at www.UST.com

About ITALDESIGN

Italdesign is a global leader in car design, vehicle engineering, and product development, with nearly 60 years of innovation. Headquartered in Moncalieri (Turin) with a team of 1,300+ professionals across 10 international locations, the company offers end-to-end, vertically integrated solutions ranging from concept design to limited and ultra-limited series production, including advanced expertise in electronics, digitalization, and new forms of mobility. Alongside its established history in automotive, Italdesign has delivered 1,000+ industrial design and transportation projects and is extending its capabilities into high-innovation sectors including aerospace and robotics.

Visit us at https://www.italdesign.it/en/  

IIHM Bangalore, Tramontina And RG Hospitality Bring ‘The Art Of The Blade’ to Life With Brazilian Culinary Masterclass

* Brazilian culinary masterclass combines professional knife training with insights into global cuisine*_

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Bangalore, in collaboration with Tramontina and RG Hospitality, hosted ‘The Art of the Blade’, an interactive culinary session that brought professional kitchen practices and Brazilian cuisine into the learning environment. Designed around the theme of precision, performance and professionalism, the programme gave students an opportunity to learn directly from an industry expert.

The one-day masterclass, organised for students of IIHM Bangalore, was conducted by Chef Vijay Bhaskaran, Brand Ambassador for Tramontina. Through live demonstrations and interaction, he took students through professional culinary practices and aspects of Brazilian cuisine while demonstrating the use of Tramontina knives and kitchen tools. The session was hosted by RG Hospitality, founded by hospitality professional Rekha Ghosh.

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman and Chief Mentor, International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), said, “Hospitality education has to constantly connect students with the professional world. Collaborations such as this enable them to learn from experienced practitioners, engage with industry-standard tools and discover culinary traditions beyond what they encounter in their regular curriculum. This exposure helps broaden their perspective and prepares them for a hospitality industry that is increasingly international and dynamic.”

*Getting the Fundamentals Right*

Knife skills assume particular significance for students who want to pursue culinary arts because they form the starting point for more advanced kitchen techniques. Developing these fundamentals early helps aspiring chefs become comfortable with professional equipment before progressing to the complexities of commercial and large-scale kitchen operations.

Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Hotel School, Bangalore & Head- South, said, “Knife skills are the first step for any student who wants to pursue culinary arts professionally. A strong foundation in handling knives correctly is essential before students move on to advanced techniques or work in large-scale kitchens. Through this session, they were able to understand these fundamentals in a professional setting while also gaining an introduction to Brazilian cuisine.”

Professional knife handling formed a key part of the session, covering handling and safety, care and maintenance and appropriate culinary techniques. Students were shown how control, accuracy and consistency contribute to efficient food preparation, while correct maintenance ensures that professional tools remain safe and effective in a demanding kitchen environment.

*Brazilian Cuisine Widens the Learning Canvas*

The Brazilian component added a global perspective to the programme. Rather than limiting the interaction to the use of kitchen tools, Chef Vijay Bhaskaran demonstrated how professional techniques come together during the preparation of a distinctive international cuisine. This allowed students to observe the relationship between ingredients, preparation methods, equipment and the final culinary outcome.

For Tramontina, whose portfolio includes knives and professional kitchen equipment, the collaboration provided an opportunity to connect with the hospitality sector through education. For IIHM Bangalore, the association added another industry interface through which students could engage with professionals and understand the equipment and practices they are likely to encounter during their careers. Tramontina is a new collaborative partner for the institute.

The collaboration also aligns with IIHM’s commitment to integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its education ecosystem. SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for the goals, is an important part of this approach, with IIHM collaborating with leading industry partners to strengthen quality education and provide students with meaningful industry exposure. The programme was open to students across IIHM Bangalore, rather than being limited to a particular class, enabling a wider group of aspiring hospitality professionals to participate in the learning experience.

‘The Art of the Blade’ also highlighted the value of partnerships between hospitality education and industry. By bringing Tramontina’s professional kitchen expertise, Chef Vijay Bhaskaran’s culinary experience, RG Hospitality’s industry connects and IIHM Bangalore’s academic environment onto one platform, the initiative offered students a focused experience of how skills, tools and international culinary knowledge come together in professional hospitality.

India’s Enterprise AI Investment Surges 119 Percent In A Single Year

* But, Only 22% Of Indian Enterprises Have Governance To Match Their AI Ambition: ServiceNow

* New ServiceNow research reveals the gap between India's rapid AI investment growth and the governance foundations enterprises need to scale AI with confidence.

India is entering a defining phase of its AI journey. Enterprise AI investment grew 119% in a single year above the global average of 110%, according to the newly released ServiceNow Enterprise AI Maturity Index 2026. AI is projected to account for more than a fifth of the average IT budget by 2027.

This investment momentum is being built on real national strengths: world-class digital public infrastructure, deep engineering talent and one of the fastest rates of enterprise AI adoption globally. The next phase, however, will depend less on how quickly organisations deploy AI and more on how confidently they can govern it. Today, only 22% of Indian enterprises have AI testing, auditing and risk-assessment processes in place. The gap is already visible: 54% of Indian organisations are deploying AI agents, but only 11% have moved to autonomous workflows. This shows India is moving fast, but with clear caution about where AI should be allowed to act independently. The gap between deployment and autonomy reflects the trust, risk and readiness considerations Indian business leaders are prioritising:

60% cite transparency and the potential for misinformation as a top AI consideration

55% point to regulatory and compliance complexity

50% identify data privacy and security concerns

Every AI agent an enterprise deploys is an identity with access to data, systems and decisions. Building the governance to run these agents will shape how quickly Indian enterprises deploy more of the work that matters to AI.

"India has proven it can commit to AI at a scale few markets can match. The next leap will be defined by how Indian enterprises pair that ambition with governance, connected data and workflows that let AI take on more consequential work. The organisations that build these foundations first, will unlock AI's next tier of value for India," said Kulmeet Bawa, Managing Director & Group Vice President, ServiceNow India and SAARC.

A national approach moving in the same direction

India's enterprise momentum is matched by an equally purposeful national approach to AI. The country has moved early to put an enabling framework in place — from the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the DPDP Rules, which came into force in 2025, to the AI Governance Guidelines launched at the February 2026 AI Impact Summit, the IndiaAI Mission, and the establishment of the IndiaAI Safety Institute. This approach supports innovation while building trust for enterprises, talent and consumers alike. For enterprises, aligning internal AI governance with this national direction is fast becoming a mark of readiness — and an advantage for those who move early.

You cannot govern what you have not connected

AI now accounts for 16.6% of India's average IT budget, projected to rise to 21.3% by 2027, a clear signal of intent. Turning that intent into governed, dependable AI depends on the layer beneath it: today, only 18% of Indian organisations have replaced fragmented legacy systems with an integrated platform, and AI-enabled workflows scored 41 out of 100 in the study. Without connected workflows, there is no single layer through which AI can be monitored, audited or governed.

The foundations Indian enterprises are working to strengthen:

74% flag data accuracy, access and management as the area most in need of strengthening for AI

56% point to legacy system integration

This is a challenge shared right across India's enterprise landscape — from digital-native businesses scaling AI for exponential growth to established enterprises digitising complex, siloed operations. Both are building the same operating layer, and both stand to gain from getting it right. Closing these gaps is what will carry India's overall AI governance score, currently 55 out of 100, into the tier of the world's AI leaders.

Adding his perspective to the research - Ashvin Vellody, Partner, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Deloitte India says - “AI maturity is entering a new phase in India. As organisations scale AI across the enterprise, the opportunity is moving beyond individual use cases to reimagining workflows, decision-making and operating models. That requires equal attention to the foundations that make AI scalable and trusted, including data, talent, governance and accountability.

Agentic AI will accelerate this shift significantly, as AI begins to take on more complex work and operate with greater autonomy. The organisations that create sustained value will be those that make deliberate choices about where AI acts, where human judgement adds the greatest value, and how the two work together. Ultimately, AI maturity will show up in how differently an organisation works, decides and creates value.”

The returns are real — and 23 points separate India from APAC's AI Pacesetters

The returns are already visible. APAC Pacesetters that have built connected systems, trusted data, strong governance and enterprise-wide workflows are achieving 149% ROI on AI today — projected to reach 181% within two years. They are six times more productive than their peers, and score 78/100 on AI governance against India's 55/100.

"The 23-point gap between India and the world's AI leaders is not a story about falling behind — it is an instruction. Build the governance layer now, connect your data, and let AI take on the work that actually moves the business. The enterprises that act on this in the next 12 months will define India's AI decade." — Kulmeet Bawa

To explore the full findings of the ServiceNow Enterprise AI Maturity Index 2026 and how Indian enterprises are building their AI foundations

About the Study

To measure the current state of AI maturity in the enterprise, ServiceNow – in partnership with ThoughtLab – surveyed 4,500 senior leaders, including 350 from India. We developed a proprietary indexing model to identify how leading organisations are putting AI to work effectively. See the Singapore fact sheet here and the global report here.

About ServiceNow

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is the AI control tower for business reinvention. The ServiceNow AI Platform integrates with any cloud, any model, and any data source to orchestrate how work flows across the enterprise. By unifying legacy systems, departmental tools, cloud applications, and AI agents, ServiceNow provides a single pane of glass that connects intelligence to execution across every corner of business. With more than 100 billion workflows running on the platform each year, ServiceNow helps organizations turn fragmented operations into coordinated, autonomous workflows that deliver measurable results. Learn how ServiceNow puts AI to work for people at www.servicenow.com.