Last Updated on February 21, 2026 by Puneet S Bansal
Infosys CEO Salil Parekh recently outlined the company’s comprehensive strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, emphasising its critical role in bolstering core business operations. In a candid interview with Economic Times, Parekh detailed how Infosys plans to leverage advanced AI tools to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global and Indian IT landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Salil Parekh highlighted Infosys’s aggressive investments in AI research and development.
- Focus on integrating AI across various service lines to deliver enhanced client value and operational excellence.
- Addressing the impact of AI tools on workforce skilling and transformation within the organisation.
- Commitment to ethical AI deployment and governance standards in all new implementations.
Infosys’s AI Blueprint Under Salil Parekh
Under the visionary leadership of Salil Parekh, Infosys is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution. The company’s blueprint involves a multi-pronged approach, encompassing robust internal training programmes to upskill its vast workforce in AI and machine learning, alongside forming strategic partnerships with leading technology providers. Parekh emphasised that AI is not merely a tool for automation but a fundamental shift in how businesses operate and innovate. The focus remains on creating bespoke AI solutions tailored to client needs, ensuring tangible business outcomes across sectors like financial services, manufacturing, and retail.
The strategic focus on AI upskilling also aligns with trends discussed in Generative AI Code: India’s Tech Future Unlocked, Developers Adapt to a New Era, where Indian IT professionals are rapidly evolving to meet next-generation AI demands.
Impact on Indian IT Sector and Market Outlook
Salil Parekh‘s insights underscore a broader trend within the Indian IT sector, where AI integration is becoming imperative for growth. Infosys’s proactive stance is expected to set a benchmark, influencing competitors to accelerate their own AI journeys. Market analysts suggest that companies with well-defined AI strategies will command a premium, attracting both talent and investment. The firm’s commitment to ethical AI and responsible deployment is particularly significant for the Indian market, where regulatory frameworks are continually evolving. This approach aims to build trust and ensure sustainable growth.
| Feature | Infosys’s Approach (Under Salil Parekh) | Broader Indian IT Industry Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce Skilling | Aggressive internal upskilling, dedicated AI training academies. | Gradual upskilling, reliance on external hiring for niche skills. |
| Ethical AI | Strong emphasis on responsible AI, governance, and transparency. | Emerging focus, often driven by client mandates and global standards. |
| AI Integration | Deep integration across core service lines and new offerings. | Project-based or departmental AI adoption, less holistic. |
| Investment in R&D | Significant capital allocation towards proprietary AI platforms. | Varied, often focused on acquiring existing solutions or partnerships. |
The Road Ahead for Infosys with AI
As Infosys continues to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, Salil Parekh’s leadership in championing AI is pivotal. The company’s long-term vision includes scaling AI-driven solutions globally, with a significant emphasis on the Indian market’s unique demands. The focus on innovation, talent development, and ethical practices positions Infosys to not only meet but exceed future technological challenges, ensuring sustained growth and relevance in the competitive IT services industry.
Infosys’s structured AI roadmap under Salil Parekh also complements global AI leadership developments, similar to insights covered in Microsoft Appoints Dr. Aisha Khan as Inaugural AI CEO: A New Era for Global and Indian Tech, signalling how AI governance is becoming a boardroom priority.
What is Salil Parekh’s view on AI’s role at Infosys?
Salil Parekh views AI as fundamental to Infosys‘s core business, crucial for enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and maintaining a competitive edge across its service offerings.
How is Infosys leveraging AI under Salil Parekh’s leadership?
Infosys is leveraging AI through aggressive R&D, integrating AI across service lines, upskilling its workforce, and forming strategic partnerships, all while adhering to ethical deployment.
What are the challenges of AI adoption for Indian IT companies?
Challenges include the need for continuous workforce skilling, significant investment in R&D, establishing robust ethical AI frameworks, and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes in India.
What is Infosys’s AI strategy for 2026?
For 2026, Infosys‘s AI strategy under Salil Parekh focuses on scaling AI-driven solutions globally and within India, prioritising innovation, talent development, and ethical practices for sustainable growth.