India leads AI wave as OECD Cisco study highlights sharp digital divides

Generative AI has shifted from trend to routine, and India is at the front of this shift. A joint study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and Cisco shows that emerging economies, especially India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, use and trust AI more than any other regions.

In India, the momentum is striking. Two-thirds of surveyed users say they already use generative AI tools. Nearly 90% believe AI is helpful, and more than 84% say they trust it. That places India at the top of the global charts for both use and confidence.

Younger adults everywhere are powering this growth. More than half of respondents under 35 use AI regularly, and almost half of those between 26 and 35 have completed some level of AI training. Older adults, however, remain on the sidelines. Many respondents above 55 say they still “don’t know” whether they trust AI, hinting that the gap is driven by unfamiliarity rather than dislike.

Guy Diedrich, Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer at Cisco, said the goal should be equal access and broad participation. He noted that AI’s value increases when it improves people’s daily lives, workplaces, and learning opportunities.

Screen time and wellbeing show a different picture

The same regions that lead the charge in AI show steep numbers in recreational screen time. In India, nearly two-thirds of respondents spend more than three hours a day on non-work digital activities. The report says high screen time often lines up with lower life satisfaction across age groups.

Globally, the research found that more than five hours a day of recreational screen use is linked with reduced wellbeing. The study does not claim screen time is the cause, but it marks a clear pattern that countries and communities need to watch closely. India also reports high emotional swings related to digital use, especially among younger users who spend most of their social time online.

Cisco says this reinforces the need to balance rapid AI adoption with efforts that support mental health and healthy digital habits.

A growing appetite for AI skills

India again stands out when it comes to learning. About 78% of respondents say they have taken some form of AI training, and more than half plan to expand their skills next year. This runs far ahead of many advanced economies where training numbers remain modest.

Cisco says building digital skills is as important as building digital infrastructure. The company reports that 26,000 of its employees have already completed AI training and that it is working with partners worldwide through initiatives such as Cisco Networking Academy and the AI Workforce Consortium.

The road ahead

The study’s message is clear: the world is headed toward what many are calling “Generation AI,” but participation is uneven. Younger adults and emerging markets are racing ahead while older generations and certain regions remain uncertain or left behind.

The OECD–Cisco findings urge governments, companies, and civil society to narrow these gaps through digital literacy, accessible training, and a stronger focus on wellbeing. The goal, the report argues, is not just fast adoption but an inclusive digital future where people of every age and region can take part, and thrive.