In brief
Two years post the ChatGPT phenomenon, India's position in the AI landscape raises concerns over its capability to produce foundational models comparable to China's DeepSeek. While the Indian government promises a domestic equivalent within 10 months, experts argue that a more systematic approach addressing educational, research, and policy challenges is vital. Investment from global tech giants like Microsoft and OpenAI signals potential, yet India's private sector lags in funding compared to the U.S. and China. Despite housing 15% of the world’s AI talent, a lack of high-quality datasets and a migration of skilled workers abroad hinder progress. To replicate its success in digital payments, India must foster a collaborative environment for AI development and boost infrastructure. The road ahead is steep but critical for achieving strategic autonomy in this rapidly evolving sector.
