AI to amplify, not replace Infosys: Nandan Nilekani

Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani told shareholders at the 45th AGM that AI will not replace companies like Infosys but amplify those that adapt with speed and purpose. He projected USD 300–400 billion in AI opportunities by 2030, highlighting Infosys’ relevance in enterprise AI integration.

New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence will not replace companies like Infosys but amplify those moving with purpose and speed, Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani said on Tuesday, asserting that the Bengaluru-headquartered company “is more relevant than ever” and eagerly eyeing around USD 300-400 billion in AI opportunities by 2030.

Speaking at the company’s 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Nilekani said every major technology transition evokes questions on relevance and ability to protect growth and margins. AI’s larger and disruptive technology transition only means that such questions are louder and doubts more insistent, he said.

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“Moreover, the existential question that is being asked of us is, if coding becomes automated, then why are we needed at all? More than three years after GenAI has launched, Infosys is more relevant than ever before and well positioned for the decade ahead,” he said.

The AI deployment gap in large enterprise clients is real, and closing that gap is where the work is, he said. Nilekani exuded confidence that AI will not replace companies like Infosys; rather, it will reward companies that remain purpose-driven and agile.

“AI will not replace companies like ours. It will amplify those who move with purpose and adapt with speed,” he said.

Nilekani explained that enterprise solutions demand rigorous testing, resilient architecture, foundational cybersecurity, and strict data governance that cannot be outsourced to external platforms.

The AI revolution has made legacy modernisation urgent, positioning Infosys to capitalise on this structural shift in technology.

”The defining opportunity lies in integrating intelligent AI systems with mission-critical enterprise platforms. The greatest value will come from combining the world of models and agents with traditional transaction systems that continue to underpin enterprise operations. That convergence is where the next wave of opportunities will emerge.

“Our clients trust Infosys to bring hard-earned learning to help them navigate the complexities of enterprise AI. Infosys is fully prepared to deliver on that trust and help our clients navigate the next,” he said, adding that Infosys is already collaborating with 90 per cent of our top 200 clients in their AI journeys.

Infosys Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Salil Parekh said the company is aggressively expanding its footprint in artificial intelligence, with its AI services revenue share growing at a fast pace.

He noted that clients are increasingly looking to leverage AI across six broad areas: AI engineering and strategy, data, process efficiency, technology modernisation, physical AI (in manufacturing, medical, and automotive sectors), and AI trust and security.

Infosys’ net profit climbed 10.20 per cent to Rs 29,440 crore in fiscal year 2025-26 from Rs 26,713 crore in 2024-25. Its revenue from operations in FY26 rose 9.6 per cent to Rs 178,650 crore.

The company guided for 1.5 to 3.5 per cent revenue growth for FY27, pinning its optimism on momentum in financial services, utilities, and AI services.

Infosys onboarded over 20,000 freshers in FY26, taking its total headcount to 328,594 at the end of Q4 FY26. The company plans to maintain this momentum and hire 20,000 freshers in FY27.