Indian IT companies returned Rs 4.8 lakh crore cash to shareholders, spent little on R&D. Will the AI cost prove existential?

Indian IT stocks face a sharp correction amid concerns over AI disruption and low R&D investment. Aequitas highlights heavy shareholder payouts over reinvestment, raising long-term competitiveness questions. While risks to revenue and margins persist, experts remain divided on whether AI poses an existential threat or a transformative opportunity for the sector.