Indian equity markets may be grappling with fresh volatility amid intensifying concerns around artificial intelligence, but seasoned investors believe the reaction has been overdone and that India’s long-term growth story remains firmly intact.Speaking in a panel discussion at News18’s Rising Bharat Summit, veteran market participant Ramesh Damani said recent market moves reflect anxiety over how AI could disrupt existing technology business models, rather than any deterioration in underlying economic fundamentals. Drawing parallels with earlier phases of technological change, Damani argued that innovation has historically expanded market opportunity rather than destroyed it.Echoing that view, Madhusudan Kela said AI-led disruption is real but should not be viewed as an existential threat to India’s growth trajectory. “Technology has never made societies poorer,” Kela said, while acknowledging that rapid change will inevitably create both winners and losers, even within the IT sector.Kela cautioned that short-term disruptions, particularly around employment and reskilling, cannot be ignored given the speed at which AI is evolving. However, he remained optimistic over the medium to long term, highlighting India’s skilled workforce and its potential to emerge as a global provider of AI solutions.Meanwhile, Vijay Kedia described the rise of highly valued global AI firms as a clear wake-up call for India, but not a reason for panic. He said companies can no longer afford to ignore AI, even as indiscriminate investment carries risks. “If you are not investing in AI, chances are you will lose your company. If you blindly invest in AI, chances are you will lose your capital,” Kedia said.
