Deloitte's AI Head Nitin Mittal: Prepare for Inevitable Job Displacement Due to Artificial Intelligence Advancements Globally

Nitin Mittal, Principal and Global AI Leader at Deloitte, has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) will inevitably impact jobs across various sectors. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Mittal addressed the frequently debated question of whether AI will take away jobs, stating that some roles will indeed be affected. However, he emphasizes that the focus should be on adapting to the AI-driven economy and reskilling to leverage new opportunities.

Mittal clarified that while he hasn't seen a single job lost entirely to AI, the impact of AI on employment is undeniable. He noted that roles involving repetitive tasks, such as software engineering, customer support, call centers, and coding, are particularly susceptible to changes. Specifically, he pointed out that "white coding" done by humans is being affected, with Agentic AI and, in the near future, physical AI, poised to further reshape work patterns. Agentic AI refers to autonomous systems capable of setting their own goals, planning, and acting with minimal human intervention.

Mittal, who is also the co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller "All-in on AI," stressed that individuals who fail to adapt and reskill are more likely to be left behind. He cautioned against spending time "doomscrolling" and instead urged people to cultivate curiosity and a willingness to learn. Mittal argued that the rise of the AI economy will create jobs that are currently unimaginable but will require a workforce equipped with new skills. He also highlighted that the construction of AI data centers will generate new jobs in construction and manufacturing, providing support to local industries.

Instead of fearing job losses, Mittal suggests that people should focus on colleagues who are adapting to AI and demonstrating curiosity in learning new AI models. He stated that the primary concern for workers should be their own adaptability and willingness to learn how to work with AI.

Mittal also advocated for the development of sovereign AI models in India to protect the country's culture and languages. He urged India to leverage its talent, entrepreneurship, and innovation to effectively build and apply AI. Mittal shifted the focus from importing solutions to building them locally, encouraging innovation in design, construction, testing, and deployment within India. He believes that India has a strong foundation in its service sector that it can leverage to lead in the AI revolution. Large-scale reskilling and investment are crucial for the nation to take the lead.