12-March -2025-Special-Article

INDIA’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A GLOBAL AI POWERHOUSE

India is witnessing a major transformation in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), driven by government-led initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission. This mission aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to establish India as a global leader in AI research, development, and deployment. With strategic investments in infrastructure, education, innovation, and regulation, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape.

Strengthening AI Infrastructure

• High-Performance Computing: India is building an advanced computing center equipped with 18,693 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), significantly more than existing AI models like DeepSeek and comparable to ChatGPT.
• Open GPU Marketplace: This initiative provides startups, researchers, and students with affordable access to high-performance computing resources, fostering innovation and reducing dependency on foreign technology.
• Indigenous AI Chips: India aims to develop its own GPUs and quantum chips within the next 3-5 years, enhancing self-reliance in AI hardware.
• IndiaAI Dataset Platform: A national repository of anonymized, high-quality datasets to support AI model training and research.
• Centers of Excellence (CoEs): Specialized AI research centers established in New Delhi focusing on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Smart Cities. The Union Budget 2025 allocated Rs 500 crore for a new AI CoE in Education.

AI Skilling and Workforce Development

• National AI Skilling Centers: Five AI training centers will equip youth with skills needed for AI-related industries.
• Integration with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: AI is introduced at all educational levels, ensuring early exposure and proficiency.
• Global AI Leadership in Talent:

• India ranks 1st in Global AI Skill Penetration (Stanford AI Index 2024).
• 263% growth in AI professionals since 2016.
• 14x increase in AI-skilled workforce from 2016 to 2023.

• Startup Ecosystem: India is the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with 520 tech incubators and accelerators fostering AI innovation.

Development of Indigenous AI Models

• BharatGen: The world’s first government-backed multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) for AI-driven public services.
• Sarvam-1: A 2-billion-parameter AI model supporting 10 Indian languages, enabling better translation and content generation.
• AI Kosha: A government-backed platform providing non-personal datasets for businesses, researchers, and startups to develop AI-driven solutions.
• Digital India BHASHINI: An AI-based language translation platform aimed at promoting digital inclusivity.
• Chitralekha: An open-source video transcreation tool for Indic languages, enhancing accessibility in digital content creation.

AI Integration with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

• AI is being integrated with key Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms such as:

• Aadhaar for identity verification.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for financial transactions.
• DigiLocker for digital document storage and verification.

• AI for Public Safety & Security:

• AI-based crowd monitoring in railway stations to optimize passenger movement.
• AI, developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to detect fraudulent bank accounts used for money laundering.

AI-Driven Economic Growth

• AI as a Business Priority:

• 80% of Indian companies are prioritizing AI as a core strategic goal.
• 69% plan to increase AI investments in 2025.

• Funding for AI Startups:

• Indian Generative AI (GenAI) startup funding surged 6x, reaching USD 51 million in FY2025 (NASSCOM Report).
• India holds 16% of the world’s AI talent, contributing to advancements in automation, fintech, and healthcare.

• Impact on Small & Medium Businesses (SMBs):

• 78% of SMBs using AI reported increased revenue.

• Market Growth Projections:

• India’s AI market is projected to grow at a 25-35% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).
• AI talent demand is expected to reach 1 million by 2026.

AI Regulation and Governance

• Existing AI Regulatory Frameworks:

• Information Technology Act, 2000 governs AI-related digital activities.
• Principles for Responsible AI (2021) ensure ethical AI use.
• National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2018) provides a structured roadmap for AI development.

• Balanced Regulation Approach:

• India avoids overregulation while addressing risks like deepfakes, privacy concerns, and cybersecurity threats.

India’s Role in Global AI Governance

• Hosting the Global INDIAAI Summit 2024, showcasing AI developments on an international stage.
• Participation in International AI Forums:

• G20 discussions on AI governance.
• Paris AI Summit 2025 to influence global AI policies.
• Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit for international collaboration on ethical AI frameworks.

Conclusion

India is making rapid strides in AI development through strategic infrastructure investments, talent development, and regulatory measures. By fostering AI innovation, promoting startups, and integrating AI with public services, India is well on its way to becoming a global AI powerhouse. The balanced approach to AI regulation and governance ensures technological progress while addressing potential risks, paving the way for a sustainable AI-driven future.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss India’s transformation into a global AI powerhouse. Analyze the role of government initiatives, AI infrastructure, and regulatory challenges in shaping India’s AI future. (250 words)