Developed by a Hangzhou-based (Chinese) startup in May 2023, debuted in US in January 2025, Deepseek has made waves across global financial markets, particularly in the technology sector. Its emergence, with its cost-effective and advanced AI solutions, has shaken the dominance of established players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta.
The impact of DeepSeek on Indian AI and IT stocks, its influence on the Indian Mutual Fund (MF) industry, and the future prospects for investors are sector-wise described in the following:
The Rise of DeepSeek and Its Influence on Tech Stocks
DeepSeek’s successful launch of highly efficient, affordable AI solutions, specifically its V3 and R1 large language models has caught the attention of both investors and major tech companies across the globe.
As a disruptive force, DeepSeek can potentially challenge market leaders like OpenAI, Meta, and Google, especially with its affordability and cutting-edge technology. The timing of its launch, combined with the AI boom already gaining traction globally, has created both optimism and fear among investors.
As per India Today’s report, tech giants on Wall Street felt tremors due to the onset of DeepSeek. For instance, Nvidia faced $593 billion loss after DeepSeek’s AI disruption and others tech giants such as the Microsoft, Alphabet and Dell Technologies also declined sharply.
Some of the established Indian also faced the heat of the arrival of DeepSeek. These include Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech. These companies are central to India’s IT sector, which has seen consistent growth due to increasing demand for technology services worldwide.
Impact of DeepSeek on Indian IT Stocks
The Indian IT stocks have also felt the immediate impact of the DeepSeek saga. Tech giants like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Tech have witnessed fluctuating stock prices in response to the heightened uncertainty created by DeepSeek’s entry into the AI space.
Percentage Decline in Indian IT Stocks on January 27, 2025
| Companies | Nifty | Sensex |
|---|---|---|
| HCL Technologies | 4.32% | 4.70% |
| Tech Mahindra | 4.17% | 3.83% |
| Wipro | 3.89% | 3.73% |
Source: Livemint.
These tech giants have experienced stock declines due to concerns about DeepSeek’s advancements, but there’s a silver lining. With their own AI initiatives and partnerships, companies like Wipro and HCL Technologies can still leverage the rise of AI to enhance their own offerings. HCL Tech, for example, has been focusing on strengthening its digital and AI capabilities. While short-term impacts are expected, their long-term prospects could improve if they manage to pivot quickly to cater to the AI-driven demands of the global market.
TCS, while a leader in the Indian IT sector, faces pressure to innovate rapidly or risk losing market share to AI-driven competitors like DeepSeek, which offer lower-cost solutions. Infosys, with its focus on digital transformation and AI, is better positioned but remains cautious about potential disruptions from DeepSeek.
Despite initial concerns, Indian IT companies are expected to adapt to the growing AI market by diversifying into AI, data analytics, and other advanced technologies. Overall, the Indian IT sector’s expertise and adaptability should help it leverage AI-driven growth opportunities.
The Role of Indian Mutual Funds in the AI Growth Story
Indian mutual funds have been active investors in the Indian IT and technology sectors, given the consistent growth these sectors have shown over the past few decades. The rise of AI, led by companies like DeepSeek, presents both challenges and opportunities for mutual fund managers.
On the one hand, the disruption caused by DeepSeek’s low-cost, high-efficiency AI solutions has led to some caution in the market. Indian tech stocks have experienced a dip, and there’s been a degree of market pessimism as investors assess the potential long-term effects on stock valuations. On the other hand, the growing importance of AI technology opens the door for significant investment opportunities.
Mutual funds with exposure to the technology sector have an opportunity to capitalise on the continued growth in AI and related technologies. The increasing demand for AI solutions will undoubtedly benefit companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, as they integrate more AI capabilities into their business models. This offers potential for both short-term gains (as companies rush to adopt AI) and long-term growth (as the AI-driven market expands).
Adjustment Mutual Fund Managers’ strategies to focus more on companies that are either AI-first or are rapidly pivoting toward AI. For example, funds that focus on tech-focused themes may benefit from the growth of AI. But funds with significant exposure to traditional tech models could feel pressure as the competition heats up.
For those mutual funds that are focused on emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and automation, the rise of companies like DeepSeek presents an opportunity to take a more proactive approach. DeepSeek’s entry could accelerate the adoption of AI across industries, driving growth in Indian AI stocks and tech companies that are at the forefront of AI adoption.
Key Findings from the DeepSeek Impact
1. Tech Stock Volatility
The global tech sell-off triggered by DeepSeek’s rise has led to a volatility wave in Indian IT stocks. Major companies like TCS and Infosys have experienced stock price fluctuations.
2. AI Integration in Indian IT
The Indian IT sector is increasingly adapting to AI, which offers both challenges and growth opportunities. Companies like Infosys and TCS have been investing in AI solutions to maintain competitiveness.
3. Mutual Fund Strategy Adjustments
Mutual funds that focus on technology stocks need to reassess their investment strategies to reflect the growing importance of AI. While some sectors might face challenges, those with exposure to AI will see long-term growth.
4. Disruptive Potential of DeepSeek
DeepSeek’s entry into the AI race disrupts traditional IT models, but it also presents opportunities for Indian firms to expand into new areas of AI innovation.
5. AI as the Future
Despite short-term volatility, AI remains a growing sector with long-term potential, and Indian tech companies are increasingly investing in AI to remain relevant.
Wrapping Up
To wrap up, the DeepSeek saga has impacted Indian tech stocks, creating both volatility and opportunities for the mutual fund industry. While competition from lower-cost AI models may cause short-term uncertainty, the long-term growth potential of AI remains strong. Mutual fund investors should focus on companies leading or benefiting from AI advancements. DeepSeek highlights the rapid evolution of AI, requiring fund managers to stay agile. Although it challenges traditional IT services, it also drives innovation and new market opportunities. The key for mutual funds is balancing AI-driven growth with the associated risks.
Interested in how we think about the markets?
Read more: Zen And The Art Of Investing
Watch here: Is UPI Killing the Toffee Business?
