India has emerged as the Asia-Pacific region’s leader in generative AI adoption, according to a new report by Forrester. In 2025, 56% of Indian metro adults reported using generative AI tools — the highest rate in APAC — with strong levels of digital literacy, institutional trust, and nuanced awareness of risk.
The findings are based on Forrester’s regional AI attitudes study across metro populations in India, Australia, and Singapore. India’s growing confidence in AI is attributed to both rapid digital integration and a tech-savvy workforce that is using AI in everyday applications.
High AI literacy with balanced risk awareness
India shows the highest AI knowledge levels globally, with 63% of adults reporting a clear understanding of artificial intelligence. Only 5% said they were unfamiliar with AI — the lowest globally. Millennials lead the charge, with 69% demonstrating high AI literacy, positioning them as a valuable talent segment for AI-powered industries.
At the same time, 45% of Indians view AI as a serious societal risk, while 66% of knowledgeable users say they trust AI-generated information. This combination of awareness and trust presents a complex but mature outlook — one that favours responsible deployment over blind enthusiasm.
Trust highest in big tech and legacy institutions
Indian users report strong confidence in long-established brands (58%) and major tech companies (58%) when it comes to managing AI risks. Trust in regulated institutions like banks and telcos is also relatively high at 52%, far above levels seen in Australia and Singapore.
This pattern shows that brand reputation, regulatory compliance, and transparency are key to consumer acceptance. Businesses operating in India must take note — AI strategies will be judged not only on innovation but also on governance and ethical responsibility.
Security, disinformation, and consumer caution
Despite the high adoption rate, concerns around misuse remain widespread. 73% of Indian consumers worry about scams, 67% fear identity theft, and 66% are concerned about deepfakes. These anxieties reflect the growing sophistication of cybercrime and the need for built-in safeguards.
Enterprises are expected to demonstrate robust data security, clear consent practices, and human oversight in AI systems. Forrester suggests that Indian users are not early adopters by chance — they are informed users who will reward transparency and penalise overreach.
Responsible AI will drive competitive edge
For companies looking to scale AI in India, the message is clear: user sophistication demands enterprise-grade responsibility. Consumers are receptive, but only to providers who prioritise ethics, security, and reliability. Enterprises that can balance speed and safeguards will unlock long-term trust and adoption.
