NEW DELHI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- American tech giant Microsoft on Wednesday announced an ambitious plan to train over 2 million people in India in generative artificial intelligence (AI) skills by 2025.

The announcement was made by Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella at an event in India's financial capital Mumbai.

"Microsoft unveiled a significant skilling initiative in India, aiming to equip 2 million people with AI skills by 2025. The ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative is part of Microsoft's Skills for Jobs program, which is designed to empower India's workforce with future-ready skills," the company said in a statement. "The initiative is part of Microsoft's broader commitment to accelerate India's AI transformation."

The company said its skilling initiative was aligned with the company's responsible AI principles, and training will be delivered in partnership with governments, non-profit and corporate organizations, and communities.

According to Microsoft, ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA will focus on training individuals in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, as well as rural areas, enabling people to participate in the new era of AI and unlock inclusive socio-economic progress.

"India is uniquely positioned to make the promise of AI a reality," said Nadella. "We are committed to partnering broadly across the public and private sector to help close the nation's AI skills gap and create new opportunities throughout the country."

Quoting its recent Work Trend Index, Microsoft said 90 percent of Indian leaders say the people they hire will need new skills to prepare them for the growth of AI. Furthermore, it said 78 percent of Indian workers say they do not have the right AI capabilities to complete their current work. Enditem

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