Dipak Kurmi
India's rise as a technological power is no longer just a matter of potential; it is becoming an undeniable reality. Over the last decade, the country has transformed from being viewed primarily as a hub for IT services and talent into a force that is capable of both building and governing artificial intelligence (AI) at a scale few other nations can match. This shift has been powered by a combination of strategic policy interventions, large-scale digital public platforms, and the development of a technically skilled workforce. India’s rapid progress in AI and technology is changing the narrative around its global role, from a consumer of advanced technologies to an emerging leader in the field.
Central to India’s AI journey has been its focus on integrating technology across society. The country’s early investment in building digital public infrastructure, such as Aadhaar, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and DigiLocker, has provided the foundation necessary for the widespread application of AI. These systems, which have enabled data standardization and interoperability, form the backbone of a technological ecosystem that supports AI-driven solutions across governance, public services, and commercial applications. By creating a digital public infrastructure that can handle the demands of large-scale AI deployment, India has laid the groundwork for the kind of technological transformation that many countries aspire to but are yet to achieve.
A pivotal moment in India’s AI ambitions came in 2024 with the launch of the IndiaAI Mission. The mission aimed to accelerate the country's AI ecosystem by targeting key areas: investing in computing power, building high-quality datasets, fostering research labs, empowering startups, and designing skilling programs. A major component of this initiative has been the creation of a national AI compute platform equipped with over 38,000 GPUs, which has significantly boosted domestic research and model development. More than 22,000 GPUs have been allocated to various users, including government departments, researchers, students, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This move is especially significant because access to high-end computing power has historically been a major barrier for countries in the Global South, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. By providing Indian researchers and startups with the tools they need to compete globally, India is leveling the playing field in AI innovation.
One of India’s greatest advantages in its AI journey is its vast talent pool. The country ranks second in the Global AI Vibrancy Rankings by Stanford University, thanks to its large and diverse workforce of engineers, coders, and data scientists. India is home to one of the largest pools of technical talent in the world, which is critical as AI adoption requires not only the development of AI models but also their integration into various sectors, including healthcare, logistics, government services, and industrial operations. India’s sheer scale of talent ensures that the country is not only able to develop AI technologies but also apply them in real-world situations, which many advanced economies struggle to do.
India's AI narrative is also unique in its emphasis on using AI for public-sector challenges at a population scale. Unlike other countries where AI has largely been confined to niche applications or research labs, India has taken a broad-based approach, using AI to address key issues such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. AI solutions are being developed that can serve millions of people in ways that are not only technically advanced but also affordable, scalable, and inclusive. Indian firms are already working on AI-driven health diagnostic tools, crop advisory systems, AI tutors, and governance platforms that can handle the complex challenges of a diverse and populous country. These solutions are designed with the Indian context in mind—where affordability, scale, and linguistic diversity are central to success—and are drawing interest from other developing regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and West Asia, where countries face similar challenges.
As India continues to build its AI capacity, it remains committed to ensuring that innovation is pursued responsibly. AI, while offering immense opportunities, also comes with risks, including concerns over misuse, bias, and safety. To address these, India advocates for the development of global regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with safeguards to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly. India aims to create an environment of trust without stifling progress, a principle that has been emphasized in its domestic policies and international discussions.
India’s influence in the global AI conversation is growing, not only because of its technological advancements but also because of its approach to AI governance. By positioning itself as both a leader in AI innovation and a responsible global actor, India is set to shape global AI standards, safety norms, and ethical frameworks. In a world where technological power is becoming as crucial as military or economic power, India’s voice in AI governance will be one of the most important in shaping the future of global technology.
While India’s journey in AI is still evolving, the trajectory is clear. The country must continue to increase its research intensity, develop its domestic hardware capabilities, and enhance data quality and cybersecurity. As India moves from being a consumer of global technologies to a producer and contributor to frontier innovations, it is also positioning itself as a vital player in the global technological ecosystem.
India’s increasing role in AI has far-reaching implications, not just for its own future but for the broader world. The choices made by global stakeholders today will determine whether the benefits of AI are confined to a few technologically advanced countries or whether they can be extended to include the large, diverse societies of the Global South. As the AI revolution unfolds, it is imperative that India leads the charge in ensuring that the transformation is inclusive and equitable.
One of the key platforms where India’s growing influence in AI will be felt is the AI Impact Summit 2026, a major event aimed at bridging policy, innovation, and real-world AI deployment. These discussions will be crucial in shaping the global AI agenda for the coming decades. As AI continues to reshape the world’s economic and political order, India’s decisions on how it develops, governs, and deploys AI will be a central point of focus. The country’s success in this domain will be instrumental in determining whether the future of AI is one of inclusive growth or technological division.
India’s AI journey is a testament to the country’s vision, ambition, and determination to become a leader in the global technology landscape. By leveraging its digital infrastructure, tapping into its vast talent pool, and focusing on AI solutions that address the unique challenges faced by developing countries, India is not only advancing its own interests but also contributing to the broader goal of global technological equity. The future of AI is being shaped today, and India is poised to play a central role in ensuring that it benefits all of humanity, not just a select few.
(the writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
