BR Team | Jaipur | As 2025 draws to a close, few technologies have dominated conversations quite like agentic AI – but what exactly is it, and how does it differ from a regular AI agent?
An AI agent is a software system that senses its environment, makes decisions, and acts toward specific goals, often using tools or language models. Agentic AI describes more autonomous systems that plan, reason, adapt, and pursue complex objectives with minimal human input, often working as teams of specialized agents. While a standard AI might book a flight on request, agentic AI could independently plan an entire trip, including research, budgeting, adjusting conditions, and handling all bookings.
Major companies such as Microsoft kept excitement high all year, unveiling sophisticated Copilots at 2025 events capable of managing entire workflows. Experts forecasted massive global productivity increases, and billions were invested as a result. The expectation was simple: progress toward genuinely autonomous operations.
Yet, as the year ends, reality has tempered the excitement. Dazzling demos gave way to sobering truths: real-world deployments often stumbled on unreliable decisions, integration hurdles, and the persistent need for human oversight. Many observers concluded 2025 delivered more buzzwords than breakthroughs – a classic case of hype outpacing delivery.
Agentic AI is especially significant for India, where MSMEs-responsible for over 30% of GDP-are set to benefit most. The ?10,000+ crore India AI Mission aims to build a sovereign AI ecosystem by providing affordable compute power, developing indigenous models, funding startups and training talent. This will help democratize AI for MSMEs, enabling them to adopt tools like agentic systems for automation and innovation, preventing digital divide and boosting competitiveness.
The encouraging part: affordability improved dramatically in 2025. Basic agentic setups now cost ?5,000-15,000 per month, with generous free trials on familiar platforms like WhatsApp Business, Google Workspace, and home-grown Indian apps – no expensive custom development required.
Agentic AI is probably also a “once-in-a-generation” chance to boost productivity, inclusivity, and sovereignty amid rapid global adoption. However, without robust policies (upskilling, ethical frameworks, equitable access), risks like mass displacement and dependency could outweigh gains. India’s balanced approach via the AI Mission positions it well-if prioritized pragmatically, it could drive sustainable growth; ignored, it risks amplifying divides. The key: human-centered deployment with strong oversight.
Here are few local business examples showcasing new agentic AI capabilities.
– Jewelry Manufacturer could potentially allow buyers to request custom diamond or Victorian-style pieces. Agentic AI may one day facilitate instant 3D design generation from reference images, streamline gem sourcing comparisons, monitor real-time gold and diamond prices, forecast demand for jewelry exhibitions, and expedite design revisions. If realized, these innovations would likely lead to quicker fulfillment of custom orders, cost savings, improved client satisfaction worldwide, and greater engagement at international trade fairs.
– Irrigation Fittings Manufacturer – Imagine an irrigation fittings manufacturer handling a surge of orders during the post-monsoon peak. With agentic AI, buyers could soon request custom components tailored to their specific agricultural needs. Agentic AI systems might enable instant generation of detailed 3D part models from reference images, streamline comparisons between polymer suppliers, monitor real-time prices for raw materials, forecast regional demand based on weather and crop data, and expedite design modifications as requirements change. If these capabilities are realized, businesses could fulfill standard and custom orders more rapidly, minimize production waste and out-of-stock incidents, achieve cost savings, enhance client satisfaction and increase competitiveness.
– Luxury Tent Decorators for Weddings & Events – Clients desire bespoke luxury tents and themed setups for upscale weddings. Agentic AI can generate 3D design previews-like royal Mughal or Rajasthani themes-compare suppliers of premium fabrics, monitor tent inventory, suggest customizations, and offer virtual tours for clients. These capabilities lead to quicker proposals, precise event installations, increased bookings, and broader service offerings.
Caution remains essential. Throughout 2025, businesses voiced valid concerns about data security – though reputable tools increasingly comply with strict privacy laws – and skill shortages. Without continued training and inclusive policies, the technology risks widening rather than bridging gaps.
For businesses, agentic AI can already make daily operations smarter and unlock new growth – provided focus is on tangible results over flashy promises. The verdict on agentic AI is clear: immense promise, but success will depend on pragmatic governance, human oversight, and genuine human-AI partnership.
Business owners heading into 2026: start small. Pick one simple agentic tool – perhaps automated customer replies or inventory alerts – and experience the difference yourself. The future isn’t about replacing people; it’s about equipping them with better tools to thrive.
Note: The author is a practitioner in innovation and R&D within the engineering services sector. The views expressed are personal and do not unnecessarily represent those of any affiliated entity
