Indian technology chiefs have more say on AI than their global peers. But they are also being blamed for failures they cannot fully control.

The Thoughtworks Global CIO Survey 2026 covered 3,200 chief information officers in 10 markets. It was done in July.

In India, 32 per cent of CIOs say central IT has the greatest influence over AI decisions. That is the highest share among the 10 markets. In firms with over 1,000 staff, the figure jumps to 59 per cent.

But influence is not control. Forty-three per cent of Indian CIOs say they are personally answerable for data privacy breaches they cannot fully influence. Forty-two per cent say the same for security incidents involving AI systems.

In large firms, 65 per cent carry personal accountability for privacy breaches. The report calls this a growing accountability gap.

Globally, 88 per cent of CIOs say AI adoption is moving faster than governance can keep up. The survey shows a clear tension: the CIO may guide AI choices, but the fallout spreads wider than their authority.