IndiaAI CEO Sanjay Kumar has raised concerns about the growing impact of AI based coding tools on India’s information technology workforce. Speaking about recent advancements in AI driven software development systems created by companies such as OpenAI and Google, he said the tools are advancing at a pace that could significantly reshape the structure of India’s large IT services ecosystem. India’s IT workforce, estimated at over 5.4 million professionals, relies heavily on software development, testing and maintenance roles that are now increasingly being enhanced or automated through large language models.
Kumar noted that recent upgrades in AI coding capabilities have moved beyond simple code suggestions. Tools such as OpenAI’s software development assistants and Google’s automated programming systems can now generate functional code blocks, identify bugs, optimise code and support complex workflows. According to him, these advancements can accelerate project timelines but also reduce the need for routine development tasks that have traditionally been carried out by large teams in India.
Industry analysts have been divided on the long term impact of AI coding systems. Some believe that the technology will help teams improve productivity and allow Indian companies to focus on higher value work. However, others say the shift could lead to a reduction in entry level roles, especially in areas such as quality assurance, basic programming and maintenance engineering. Kumar said that the speed at which these tools are being adopted suggests that companies must prepare for structural transformation, not just incremental changes.
He added that several Indian organisations have already begun internally testing AI based coding systems. Many IT companies have been integrating these tools into developer workflows to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks such as writing boilerplate code, fixing syntax errors and conducting documentation updates. With global clients increasingly adopting AI based systems for their operations, Indian IT service providers are expected to match the pace of adoption to remain competitive.
Kumar also emphasised the importance of reskilling. He stated that India’s large IT workforce must be supported through structured upskilling programs focused on generative AI, automation management, machine learning engineering and advanced software architecture. According to him, reskilling will be the key to ensuring that the workforce remains relevant and prepared for the next decade of transformation in the global technology landscape.
Industry reports indicate that AI coding assistants have already been integrated into a wide range of enterprise tools, project management platforms and cloud environments. Companies that have adopted these tools say they have seen improvements in developer efficiency and a reduction in operational delays. However, concerns remain about overreliance on automated code generation and the potential for new security and quality assurance challenges.
Kumar said that India needs a coordinated approach between industry, government and academic institutions to address the emerging risks. He referenced early initiatives by IndiaAI to build guidelines for responsible AI adoption and support programs aimed at skill development for developers and engineering graduates. According to him, such steps are necessary because India’s competitive advantage in the IT sector has historically been built on its large engineering workforce. With AI systems beginning to replicate parts of their work, maintaining that advantage will require strategic planning.
He cautioned that the shift should not be viewed only through the lens of immediate productivity gains. Instead, organisations should consider the long term effects on job roles and ensure that adoption plans include reskilling pathways. Many global technology leaders have echoed similar concerns. Reports from international market research firms suggest that while AI based development tools will help companies improve delivery timelines, they will also require teams with deeper expertise in supervising, validating and managing AI generated outputs.
Kumar also pointed out that India has an opportunity to build new categories of employment around AI supervision, prompt engineering, cybersecurity and enterprise AI management. He said that companies that invest in these areas now will be better positioned to handle the next wave of AI adoption across sectors such as finance, telecom, healthcare and manufacturing.
He also highlighted that the conversation should not be interpreted as a warning but as an early call for preparedness. With the exponential growth of generative AI, he said that industries around the world are entering a period of rapid change. For a country like India, where the IT sector contributes significantly to GDP and exports, it is important to ensure that the workforce remains adaptable and that organisations are proactive in updating their technology strategies.
The concerns raised by Kumar reflect a growing global debate on the future of software engineering. As AI tools continue to expand their capabilities, countries with large IT workforces are assessing how automation will reshape their technology industries. IndiaAI is expected to release additional guidelines on responsible AI coding adoption in the coming months as part of its national AI mission.