India, June 23 -- There is an alarming crisis unfolding quietly at the heart of India's AI ambitions. According to a joint report by Deloitte India and NASSCOM, AI talent demand in the country is expected to be more than double; from around 600,000 - 650,000 professionals in 2022 to over 1.25 million by 2027. The Indian AI market itself is projected to grow at a staggering 25- 35% CAGR through 2027.

The ambition is real, so is the momentum. But the talent pipeline? That's where the story gets complicated.

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