New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping workplaces across the globe, but according to Deloitte’s Global AI Leader Nitin Mittal, the real threat to workers isn’t the technology itself it’s the colleagues who adapt to it. Speaking at a major international forum on emerging technologies, Mittal addressed the perennial question: “Will AI take our jobs?” His answer was candid: yes, some roles will inevitably change, but the bigger concern lies elsewhere.
“Certain jobs, such as software engineering, customer support, call centers, and coding, will be impacted,” Mittal said. “But I have yet to see a job lost directly to AI. Almost every displacement comes from someone who has learned to work with AI and leverage it to their advantage.” Mittal, co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller All-in on AI, stressed that curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to reskill are now the most critical tools for career survival. Workers who neglect these spending hours doomscrolling instead of learning are at the greatest risk of being outpaced.
Rather than dwelling on fears of job loss, Mittal encouraged focus on the opportunities emerging from the new AI-driven economy. “AI is not just a disruptive force; it is a generative one,” he said. “It creates jobs we haven’t imagined yet, while also demanding reskilling to meet new challenges.” He illustrated this with the example of an AI data center project, which not only generates construction and engineering roles but also stimulates the local manufacturing ecosystem.
Mittal also highlighted the strategic importance of India developing sovereign AI models to preserve local culture, language, and innovation. “India has natural advantages: a vast talent pool, entrepreneurial spirit, and a dynamic services industry. Harnessing AI here isn’t just about using technology; it’s about designing, building, and deploying solutions tailored to Indian contexts,” he added.
Turning to the question of global innovations like self-driving cabs, Mittal noted that the focus should shift from replication to creation. “The real conversation isn’t whether Waymo cabs can work on Indian roads it’s about what we can build, test, and scale within India itself.”
In conclusion, Mittal framed AI not as a threat to livelihoods but as a call to action: those who adapt, learn, and innovate will thrive, while those who ignore the change risk being left behind. The AI revolution, he argued, is less about technology taking over and more about human ingenuity leveraging it to shape the future of work.