Generative AI Boosts ROI for Indian Businesses in APAC

Indian firms lead APAC in generative AI ROI, facing data challenges but setting global benchmarks in returns.

Indian Businesses See Highest ROI from Generative AI in APAC: Adobe

As I delve into the latest insights from Adobe's 2025 AI and Digital Trends India snapshot, it becomes clear that Indian businesses are not just leading the Asia-Pacific region but are also setting a global benchmark for realizing return on investment (ROI) from generative artificial intelligence (AI). This remarkable achievement is underscored by the fact that nearly a quarter of Indian businesses have already seen measurable results from their generative AI initiatives, surpassing their counterparts across the globe[1][3][4]. But what drives this success, and what challenges remain on the horizon?

Historical Context and Background

The journey of AI adoption in India has been marked by rapid growth and innovation. Over the past few years, Indian companies have increasingly embraced AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive business growth. This shift has been supported by significant investments in AI research and development, both from private companies and government initiatives.

Current Developments and Breakthroughs

According to Adobe's recent report, Indian businesses are leveraging generative AI to achieve substantial benefits, particularly in content ideation and production (73%) and productivity and efficiency (67%)[1][3]. These advancements are not just about cost savings; they also enable businesses to scale faster and respond more effectively to customer needs. For instance, Air India is using AI to reimagine the travel experience, from chatbots to intelligent booking platforms, showcasing how AI can transform customer interactions[3].

Prativa Mohapatra, Vice President and Managing Director at Adobe India, highlights the importance of solving data challenges and adopting agentic AI for further growth. "Indian businesses are setting the global pace for realizing ROI on AI initiatives as most are improving scale, speed and efficiencies," she noted[1][3]. This emphasis on data management underscores the ongoing need for robust data infrastructure to support AI adoption.

Future Implications and Potential Outcomes

Looking ahead, the integration of generative AI and machine learning will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping business strategies in India. As 69% of executives indicate that these technologies will significantly influence their technology decisions over the next 12 to 24 months, it's clear that AI will remain a key driver of innovation[4]. However, addressing the persisting data challenges will be crucial for sustained success. The gap between current capabilities and customer expectations—where only 53% of consumers receive personalized recommendations despite 77% desiring them—presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth[4].

Real-World Applications and Impacts

Customer Journey Optimization has emerged as a top priority for Indian firms in 2025, closely followed by delivering personalized experiences[1][3]. This focus on enhancing customer interactions through AI reflects a broader trend in the industry towards more tailored and responsive services. For example, Air India's AI-powered chatbot and booking platform are designed to provide a proactive, fast, and intuitive travel experience, setting a new standard for customer-centric transformation[3].

Different Perspectives and Approaches

While Indian businesses are at the forefront of AI adoption, there are also voices of caution. Governance and privacy concerns remain significant hurdles for AI scale-up, with 57% of Indian executives citing these as major challenges[1]. Addressing these concerns will require a balanced approach that integrates AI innovation with ethical considerations and robust data governance policies.

Conclusion

In summary, Indian businesses are leading the way in harnessing the power of generative AI to drive tangible ROI. However, to sustain this momentum, they must tackle data management challenges and ensure that AI adoption aligns with ethical standards. As AI continues to reshape industries, India's success in this arena offers valuable lessons for businesses worldwide.

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