The India Today AI Summit 2026 featured discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various sectors, emphasizing that the shift towards AI in business operations is more urgent than ever. Notable speakers included Lalitesh Katteragadda, the founder of Indihood.com, and Professor Nikhila Natarajan from Rutgers University, alongside Rahul Kothari, COO of Razorpay. They highlighted that many businesses are already transitioning to AI-driven processes, evidenced by predictions that in the next five years, 50% of online transactions may be processed by AI.

Rahul Kothari pointed out that the adoption of AI is rapidly growing, as entrepreneurs no longer wait for perfect solutions but instead embrace the technology to enhance their operations. He noted that in the changing landscape of e-commerce, AI is not merely a tool for automation but a necessary component that is reshaping business paradigms. The panel agreed on the need for India to lead its own AI mission to address these transformations effectively and ensure that the country's potential in AI is fully realized.

The discussions underscored the urgency for stakeholders to engage with AI strategically, as the ongoing transformation will determine the future of work and commerce in India. The emphasis was placed on proactive adaptation to this technology rather than reactionary measures, as many jobs that could be automated may already be lost, advocating for a focus on innovation and infrastructure to support this evolution.