At the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Puneet Chandhok, Microsoft India and South Asia Chairman, painted a vibrant picture of artificial intelligence’s trajectory. In a focused discussion on AI’s role in disaster management, he revealed how rapidly evolving AI models are set to trigger massive sector growth over the coming triennium.
Recent months have witnessed AI’s leapfrog progress, with models achieving remarkable sophistication. ‘The world is primed to embrace this technology,’ Chandhok noted, underscoring its potential to accelerate operations exponentially.
Debates on AI enhancement are no longer theoretical; tangible shifts, especially in the last half-year, signal a thousandfold expansion ahead. Coding, once a peripheral AI application, now deeply embeds in business workflows, with AI agents functioning as collaborative colleagues.
Chandhok highlighted AI’s emerging capability in drafting legal paperwork, prompting urgent deliberations on governance and safeguards. As firms transition to AI-first paradigms beyond mere cloud reliance, maintaining control becomes paramount.
He forecasted a new breed of companies rooted in AI bedrock. Addressing employment concerns, Chandhok clarified that AI reshapes jobs, demanding perpetual upskilling. His rallying cry? ‘Not learning AI today means standing still.’ This vision positions AI as the cornerstone of future innovation.