As 2024 draws to a close, India’s progress across sustainability, technology, and infrastructure highlights a transformative year. Industry leaders and experts weigh in on the milestones and challenges that shaped this journey and offer insights into what 2025 might hold.
India’s commitment to sustainability took significant strides in 2024. “India’s SDG Index score rose to 71 this year,” said Arun Awasthy, President and Managing Director of Johnson Controls India. He also pointed to the $500 billion clean energy investment opportunities identified as a testament to how sustainability can drive economic growth.
Awasthy emphasised the importance of embedding sustainability into new infrastructure projects. “With 70% of India’s building stock yet to be constructed, we have a unique opportunity to align development with environmental goals,” he said. Projects such as industrial cities and healthcare tourism hubs underscore this approach, alongside retrofitting older infrastructure to meet energy-positive standards.
The rapid digitisation of industries presented both opportunities and challenges in 2024. “The attack surface is expanding, and fragmented threat intelligence makes it harder to address risks,” said Jason Merrick, SVP of Product at Tenable. He stressed the need for a contextual approach to manage vulnerabilities effectively.
Bob Huber, Chief Security Officer at Tenable, highlighted the challenges posed by the rapid adoption of AI. “AI adoption is outpacing our ability to secure it, creating a pressing knowledge gap,” he noted. As organisations prioritise efficiency, the importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks becomes paramount.
AI: Transforming Efficiency and Security
AI’s role in enhancing observability and automating processes gained momentum in 2024. “AI-driven automation is reducing reliance on human intervention and enabling faster incident response,” said Peter Marelas, Field CTO at New Relic. However, its misuse by attackers remains a concern. “AI has enabled sophisticated ransomware attacks and phishing campaigns,” said Srinivas Shekar, CEO of Pantherun Technologies, calling for adaptive cybersecurity strategies.
India’s electric mobility sector achieved significant milestones in 2024, with advancements in battery-swapping technology and an uptick in EV sales. “The adoption of EVs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities accelerated this year,” said Pulkit Khurana, Co-Founder of Battery Smart. He highlighted the role of government support and innovations in battery technology in shaping the future of electric transportation.
The healthcare sector saw AI and machine learning transform diagnostic precision and personalised treatment. “AI is improving outcomes in radiology, pathology, and chronic disease monitoring,” said Col (Dr.) Rajendra P. Vennam of Drucare. Telemedicine, integrated with wearable devices, also expanded access to care.
“The inclusion of domiciliary care in insurance coverage is a significant milestone,” said Amol Deshmukh, CEO of MedRabbits Healthcare. Looking to 2025, rehabilitation centres and specialised care services are expected to complement the growth of home healthcare.
AI in Pricing and Economic Strategies
AI-powered pricing solutions continued to drive measurable results. “Dynamic pricing tools have contributed to growth in retail, travel, and hospitality sectors,” said Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder and CEO of Sciative Solutions. The company’s expansion into global markets, including Ukraine and Australia, underscores the potential of AI to optimise profitability and enhance customer experiences.
Advancements in smart cities and agriculture also stood out. “India’s innovations in cashless payments and digital aviation demonstrate the transformative impact of technology,” said Aalok Kumar, President & CEO of NEC Corporation India. He identified healthcare and agriculture as key sectors for technological disruption in the coming years.
Rising post-breach costs highlighted the need for rapid incident response strategies. “The average cost of a data breach rose to nearly $5 million in 2024,” noted Liat Hayun of Tenable Cloud Security. As quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography gain attention, the focus on emerging technologies is intensifying.
Meanwhile, Raj K. Gopalakrishnan, CEO of KOGO.ai, highlighted the leadership of sectors like BFSI, defence, and healthcare in secure AI adoption. “Scaling talent and democratising knowledge will be essential to sustaining progress,” he said.
Looking Ahead to 2025
India’s trajectory into 2025 underscores a balance between innovation and resilience. Whether through sustainable infrastructure or AI-driven efficiencies, the nation’s progress depends on addressing challenges and capitalising on opportunities. As experts agree, collaboration and forward-thinking strategies will be key to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for India and its citizens.
