India’s technological landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, emerging as a formidable force in the global tech arena. The nation’s journey from being an outsourcing hub to a pioneer in technological innovation and development is a testament to its strategic growth and the prowess of its talent pool.
The growth is driven by a surge in AI development and open-source contributions, positioning India as a leader in these domains. The “Octoverse” report by GitHub highlights this growth, noting a 28% increase in the Indian developer base in 2024 alone, making it the fastest-growing developer community globally. India’s contributions to public generative AI projects have placed it second only to the United States, with a staggering 79% growth over the past year.
The Role of Open Source and AI
Open-source projects have become a cornerstone of India’s tech growth, with initiatives like ERPNext and the Open Healthcare Network (OHC) leveraging AI tools like GitHub Copilot to accelerate development and address societal challenges. This symbiosis of open-source and AI is propelling India to the forefront of tech solutions that are not only innovative but also socially impactful.
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India’s National Education Policy has played a pivotal role in this growth by integrating coding and AI skills into the curriculum, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy professionals. The country now ranks second globally for GitHub Education users, indicating a bright future for the upcoming workforce.
The economic impact of India’s tech ascension is significant, with the industry’s revenue set to surpass US$254 billion in FY2024, a 3.8% year-on-year growth marking an addition of more than US$9 billion compared with the previous year. This growth is fueled by the rise of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and a strong focus on Engineering Research and Development (ER&D), which alone added US$2.88 billion to the export revenue.
Looking ahead, India is poised to surpass the US as the largest developer community by 2028, with sustained growth in developer talent and a strong emphasis on AI and open source. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, India’s tech industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% between 2024 and 2029.
The Deloitte Tech Trends 2024 report also underscores India’s evolving tech landscape, emphasizing the country’s resilience and adaptability despite global economic uncertainties. It points to India’s increasing ability to meet international tech demands, with over 1,600 GCCs and a market on track to exceed US$100 billion by 2030.
GitHub anticipates that India will surpass the United States as the largest developer community by 2028. With a deep talent pool, a burgeoning start-up ecosystem, and a government that supports digitalization, AI, and electronics manufacturing, India’s tech industry is poised for a robust growth trajectory. This boom is more than just a testament to India’s technical prowess; it’s a narrative of empowerment and global competitiveness. From multinational corporations to startups, the Indian tech community is changing the game, driving GDP growth, and innovating for a better tomorrow.
India’s tech industry’s inexorable rise is a narrative of resilience, strategic planning, and the harnessing of a vast pool of skilled professionals. It is a story of a nation that has embraced the digital revolution and is setting the stage for a future where technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth.
