By prioritising comprehensive AI education, ethical governance and transparent regulations, India can lead the global AI revolution
India is emerging as a dominant force in Artificial Intelligence (AI), shaping its economy, security, and global influence. At the ongoing AI Summit in Paris, India’s leadership in AI highlights its commitment to technological advancement and innovation. The Prime Minister’s prominent role at the summit underscores the country’s strategic focus on AI, positioning it as a counterforce to China’s deepfake threats. Whether in AI, digital transformation, or healthcare, India is rapidly evolving into a global technology powerhouse, striving for AI self-reliance and economic growth.
AI is no longer a futuristic concept-it is an immediate reality reshaping India’s digital landscape. Projections suggest that AI will contribute $500 billion to the Indian economy by 2025, accounting for 10 per cent of the national GDP. The technology is revolutionising industries, from agriculture to healthcare and revitalising cultural and linguistic heritage. India is not merely adopting AI; it is actively leading the revolution through ambitious government initiatives, collaborations with tech giants and extensive investment in AI infrastructure. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to position the country as a leader in AI.
The IndiaAI Mission and the establishment of India’s first AI University in Maharashtra reflect a strong commitment to technological leadership. Partnerships with global tech firms like NVIDIA are helping develop AI solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges. AI-driven tools in agriculture, such as CropIn and Intello Labs, assist farmers in predicting weather patterns, optimising irrigation, and detecting crop diseases, thereby boosting productivity and sustainability.
India’s corporate sector is also investing heavily in AI. Companies like Infosys and TCS are deploying AI-driven solutions to streamline business processes, automate customer service, and optimise supply chains. Infosys’ Nia platform enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs, while Zoho’s AI-powered CRM tools empower small and medium enterprises to compete globally. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are increasingly being utilised by job seekers, with 87 per cent leveraging them to refine resumes and prepare for interviews.
Despite its rapid progress, India faces significant challenges in AI adoption. A critical skills shortage in AI-related professions remains a pressing issue. To address this, the National Programme on AI, launched by NITI Aayog, aims to train over a million workers in AI skills. Additionally, states like Karnataka and Telangana are establishing AI hubs to nurture innovation and talent development. However, while India produces over 1.5 million engineers annually, only a small percentage have the specialised expertise required for AI development.
AI’s rise also brings security concerns. Cyber threats are growing, with increasing vulnerability to sophisticated cyberattacks. In 2023, a major Indian bank suffered a ransomware attack, disrupting services for millions of customers. AI-powered cyber tools, while beneficial, can be exploited by malicious actors. The dangers of misinformation and AI-generated deepfakes are also becoming more apparent. The viral deepfake video of actor Rashmika Mandanna in 2023 highlighted the risks of AI-driven disinformation. Similarly, AI-powered voice cloning scams are on the rise, posing significant fraud risks.
AI is also playing a crucial role in preserving India’s cultural and linguistic heritage. Institutions like IIT Madras are developing AI models to revive endangered languages such as Toda and Gondi.
The Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute is using AI to digitise ancient manuscripts, ensuring the preservation of India’s historical knowledge. AI is further enhancing the entertainment sector through immersive experiences, such as virtual reality tours of historical sites and AI-curated regional literature and music recommendations.
In healthcare, AI-driven tools like Niramai are revolutionising early cancer detection, while telemedicine platforms like Apollo Telehealth are providing medical access to rural communities. The education sector is benefiting from AI-powered platforms. In disaster management, AI is helping predict natural disasters and coordinate relief efforts. The Indian Meteorological Department employs AI to analyze weather patterns and issue early warnings for cyclones and floods, thereby minimising casualties.
AI is not merely a technological tool; it is a transformative force shaping India’s future. However, the country must strike a balance between innovation and regulation to ensure ethical AI deployment. As AI evolves, India must establish a robust framework to address ethical concerns, security risks, and workforce reskilling. Collaborative efforts between the government, industry, and academia will be key in ensuring AI benefits for the society.
(The writer is an assistant professor at IIIT, Sonepat; views are personal)
