India crucial to how we see future of AI on Meta platforms: Arun Srinivas

Arun Srinivas reveals 92% of businesses on Meta are SMBs, details AI-driven features for creators, and a strategic rethink for WhatsApp Pay

Arun Srinivas, managing director and head for Meta in India, is bullish on the company’s offering to businesses, especially small and medium businesses (SMBs), and their artificial intelligence (AI)-powered offerings, which he says have started giving returns on every rupee they spend. In an in-person interview with Shivani Shinde, his first since he took over the mandate, he talks about the growing significance of SMBs in WhatsApp messaging, a rethink of the WhatsApp Pay strategy, and innovation from India. Edited excerpts: 

It’s been six months into the new role. How has the ride been so far? 

It’s very exciting and