Editorial illustration for India's AI Adoption Accelerates as Older Generations Embrace ChatGPT, Says Tech Leader
India's AI Revolution: From Trials to Real-World Impact
Sood says India shifts from superficial AI trials as his mother uses ChatGPT
India's tech landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution, with artificial intelligence seeping into the most unexpected corners of daily life. Beyond Silicon Valley's glitzy narratives, a more nuanced digital transformation is unfolding, one that challenges traditional assumptions about technology adoption.
The generational divide in tech engagement is blurring faster than anyone anticipated. Where once AI seemed like a distant, complex tool reserved for young professionals, it's now becoming a casual companion for even the most unlikely users.
Tech leaders are noticing this profound shift. Their observations reveal something more interesting than corporate metrics: a grassroots technological embrace that defies conventional wisdom about digital literacy and age barriers.
One prominent voice is capturing this transformation with a simple, powerful anecdote that speaks volumes about India's emerging relationship with artificial intelligence. His personal story suggests something remarkable is happening beneath the surface of India's tech ecosystem.
Sood said that after years of superficial AI experimentation, India has begun to see a real shift. "My mother uses ChatGPT," he said, laughing at how fast consumer comfort has grown. Sood highlighted that labour costs in India are so low that employers prefer to hire workers rather than invest in advanced technology.
Building Global Tech from the West Smallest.ai's core technology is built for India's conversational chaos. For instance, he points out that many people say "Infy" instead of "Infosys". The company is betting on speech technology built for accents, mumbles and informal speech patterns.
Sood believes real Swadeshi tech comes from global excellence. "The real Swadeshi Tech is somebody who's building for the globe, keeping your own country in mind," he said. Amartya Jha, co-founder and CEO of CodeAnt, reached a similar conclusion but took a different approach.
He and his co-founder permanently moved to the US, got backing from Y Combinator and raised $2 million in seed funding. While engineering strength sits in India, sales strength sits in the US. "Our primary customer is the US, not India," he said.
India's AI landscape is shifting faster than anyone expected. Consumer adoption is accelerating, with even older generations like Sood's mother now comfortably using ChatGPT.
The country's technological adaptation seems countersimple. Despite historically low labor costs that discourage tech investment, AI is finding unexpected pathways into daily life.
Smallest.ai's approach highlights this unique transition. The company is building technology specifically designed for India's complex communication patterns, recognizing local linguistic nuances that global platforms often miss.
Sood's perspective suggests a profound cultural shift. What once might have been tentative AI experimentation now feels like genuine technological integration.
Still, challenges remain. Low labor costs continue to create resistance among employers who might prefer human workers over technological solutions. Yet the rapid consumer comfort with AI tools indicates a potential turning point.
The real story isn't just about technology. It's about how quickly cultural perceptions can change, with generations traditionally seen as tech-resistant now eagerly embracing artificial intelligence.
Further Reading
- India ranks 64th globally in AI adoption - The Indian Express - The Indian Express
- True Cost of ChatGPT in India: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026 - CometAPI
- Free AI Tools in India 2026: Are ChatGPT, Gemini & Perplexity Really Free? - DQ India
- ChatGPT's massive scale meets challengers in race for AI dominance - PPC Land
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Common Questions Answered
How are older generations in India engaging with AI technologies like ChatGPT?
According to tech leader Sood, older generations are rapidly embracing AI, with even his mother now comfortably using ChatGPT. This trend challenges previous assumptions about technology adoption and generational tech barriers in India.
Why is AI adoption in India surprising given the country's low labor costs?
Despite historically low labor costs that typically discourage technological investment, India is experiencing an unexpected AI revolution. The technology is finding unique pathways into daily life, with consumers across different age groups quickly becoming comfortable with AI tools.
What makes Smallest.ai's approach to AI technology unique for the Indian market?
Smallest.ai is developing core technology specifically designed for India's conversational complexity, recognizing the nuanced communication styles in the country. The company's approach acknowledges local linguistic variations and communication patterns that differ from Western tech models.