Synopsis

India lags behind Asia-Pacific peers in AI adoption, with only 43% of organizations deploying the technology. However, the nation leads globally in attracting and retaining AI talent, boasting high employer confidence. Organizations are making strides in data-driven workforce strategies, yet a significant gap exists between employer intent and employee experience regarding benefits like childcare and financial education, highlighting a need for better alignment.

Fewer organisations in India have deployed artificial intelligence (AI) than their Asia-Pacific peers, with 43% having rolled out the technology compared with 74% of organisations across the region that have deployed or are piloting AI, according to professional services firm Aon's Human Capital Trends 2026 study released on Wednesday.

Despite the slower pace of adoption, India leads globally in attracting and retaining AI talent. The study found that 39% of Indian organisations are confident of sourcing skilled AI professionals.

Another 20% of organisations in India are piloting AI programmes, reflecting steady progress towards broader adoption, although the country continues to trail the regional pace.

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India, however, outperforms both APAC (21%) and the global average (24%) in employer confidence in its ability to attract and retain AI talent.

“India is at a pivotal stage where strong talent availability and growing AI adoption are creating new opportunities for businesses,” Nitin Sethi, head of talent solutions in India at Aon, said in a statement. “Sustained value will come from continued investment in skills development and workforce strategies that enable people to work alongside technology and drive long-term business outcomes.”

Beyond AI, the study found India ahead of global peers on workforce strategy indicators. More than half (55%) of organisations reported high HR data maturity, strengthening workforce insights and decision-making, while 25% reported a clearly defined and well-understood employee value proposition, indicating closer alignment between people strategies and business goals.

“Organisations in India are making strong progress in building data-driven and future-ready workforce strategies,” said Ashley D’Silva, head of health and wealth solutions in India at Aon.

The report also highlighted a disconnect between employer intent and employee experience in workplace benefits. While 89% of organisations expressed confidence in their wellbeing strategies, only 20% of employees reported receiving childcare support despite 88% of employers believing they should provide it.

“As organisations navigate increasingly complex talent dynamics, there is a growing need to define clear employee value propositions and design benefits that reflect different life stages. Aligning employee expectations with personalised, flexible benefits, strengthening communication and ensuring workforce investments deliver tangible outcomes will be critical to the next phase of growth,” D’Silva said.

Similarly, although 89% of employers felt financial education should be offered, just 14% of employees said they had access to such support.

The inaugural Aon Human Capital Trends 2026 Study surveyed 2,361 business, human resources and people leaders globally.