Artificial intelligence is often discussed through the lens of job losses, automation and the fear that machines could eventually replace human workers. But Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran offered a different perspective at the B20 Summit India 2023, arguing that AI could actually create opportunities, particularly in a country like India.

Speaking at the summit in New Delhi on August 25, 2023, Chandrasekaran said, “Actually in a country like us, it will create jobs because it will empower people with the little skill or no skill, will empower them with information skill so that they can perform a higher level of jobs.” His argument was that AI could give workers access to information and tools that allow them to perform tasks that previously required a higher level of expertise.

AI As An Equaliser
Chandrasekaran’s argument presents AI less as a replacement for people and more as a tool that can expand what people are capable of doing. Workers with limited skills could potentially use AI-powered tools to access information, complete tasks faster and take on responsibilities that would otherwise require specialised knowledge.

What Does This Mean For India’s Workforce?
The idea is particularly relevant to India, where millions of workers across industries are likely to encounter AI-driven changes in the workplace. Rather than viewing technological advancement only as a threat, Chandrasekaran’s comments suggest that the bigger opportunity could lie in helping people learn how to use these technologies effectively.

From TCS Intern To Tata Sons Chairman
Chandrasekaran’s own career reflects the rapid evolution of India’s technology sector. He joined Tata Consultancy Services as an intern in 1987, rose through the company and became its CEO and managing director in 2009. In 2017, he became chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group. His long career in technology and business has given him a front-row view of how technology has transformed the nature of work.

The Skills Question
His comments also point to a larger challenge: AI may change the value of skills rather than simply eliminate them. As AI tools become more capable, workers may increasingly need to know how to use them, verify their output and combine them with human judgement. Continuous learning and digital skills could therefore become increasingly important in the workplace.

Why His AI Remarks Matter Today
Chandrasekaran made the comments in 2023, when generative AI was rapidly entering mainstream conversations. His central argument remains relevant to the debate around AI and employment: the technology could be used not only to automate existing tasks but also to help more people perform higher-level work. For companies, that could mean looking beyond cost-cutting and using AI to make their employees more capable and productive.