India leads global AI confidence with expected 31 per cent ROI in two years
Around 93 per cent of Indian businesses expect positive returns from AI investments within three years, according to a SAP-Oxford Economics report. India leads globally in AI confidence, investing USD 31 million this year, with ROI projected to rise from 15 per cent to 31 per cent by 2027
New Delhi: Around 93 percent of Indian businesses expect positive returns on their artificial intelligence (AI) investments within three years, the highest confidence level among all countries surveyed, according to a report released on Monday.
The report from German multinational software company SAP, co-authored with Oxford Economics, found that Indian firms have already reported an average AI return on investment of 15 percent in 2025, projected to reach 31 percent within two years.
Indian businesses are investing USD 31million in AI this year — outpacing the USD 26.7 million global average — with focused spending on software, infrastructure, talent, and consulting.
Organisational investments in AI are projected to rise by an average of 33 per cent over the next two years, which is expected to drive ROI of 15 per cent this year (an average of $5.7 million), which is expected to double in two years to 31 per cent ($15.3 million).
“AI is transforming how businesses operate, not just by automating tasks, but by enabling smarter, faster decisions across mission-critical processes,” said Philipp Herzig, Chief Technology Officer, SAP SE.
As much as 56 per cent of Indian respondents were satisfied with current ROI, and 58 per cent expected AI initiatives to deliver positive ROI faster than other technology investments — the highest globally.
With over six lakh professionals, India accounts for 16 per cent of the global AI talent pool, making it a true AI powerhouse, said Sindhu Gangadharan, MD of SAP Labs India and Head, SAP Customer Innovation Services, SAP.
“This depth of digital talent is enabling enterprises to shift from pilots to performance, embedding AI into decisions, operations, and customer experiences,” she added. The report is based on a survey of 1,600 senior leaders across eight countries, including 200 respondents from India.
