India’s booming Information Technology (IT) sector employs over 6 million professionals and contributes more than $250 billion in annual revenue, according to an official statement made in Parliament on Wednesday.
Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, shared these insights in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the strength and global competitiveness of India’s tech and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
India Ranks Among Global Leaders in AI Capabilities
India continues to gain international recognition in AI. Referencing the Stanford AI Index, the minister stated that India is ranked among the top countries globally in terms of AI skills, capabilities, and policies. The country is also the second-largest contributor to GitHub AI projects, underscoring its vibrant developer ecosystem.
Vision of AI for All: PM Modi’s Strategy for Inclusive Technology
India’s AI strategy is grounded in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to democratize access to technology, solve India-specific challenges, and create employment and economic opportunities for all citizens.
“India’s AI strategy aims to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence,” said Prasada.
Launch of IndiaAI Mission: Building a Robust AI Ecosystem
In line with this vision, the government officially launched the IndiaAI Mission in March 2024, aiming to develop an inclusive and sovereign AI ecosystem that supports India’s broader development goals.
The initiative is anchored in a seven-pillar strategic framework that includes:
1. IndiaAI Compute Capacity
Providing affordable access to high-end compute power (GPUs) for startups, MSMEs, and researchers.
2. IndiaAI Foundation Models
Focused on building Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) using Indian datasets and languages, enabling sovereign capabilities in generative AI.
3. AIKosh Unified Data Platform
Development of a centralized data repository integrating government and non-government datasets for AI model training.
4. IndiaAI Application Development Initiative
Encouraging AI solutions for climate change, disaster management, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and assistive technologies for learning disabilities.
5. IndiaAI FutureSkills
Designed to nurture a new generation of AI-skilled professionals, the initiative supports graduate, postgraduate, and PhD-level education, while establishing Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
6. IndiaAI Startup Financing
Dedicated financial support for AI-focused startups, helping to foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
7. Safe and Trusted AI
Emphasis on building strong governance frameworks to ensure the ethical, safe, and responsible adoption of AI.
Conclusion: Positioning India as a Global AI Powerhouse
With its robust IT ecosystem, strong developer community, and comprehensive AI strategy, India is rapidly positioning itself as a global hub for digital innovation. The IndiaAI Mission serves as a transformative blueprint for inclusive, responsible, and sustainable AI development aligned with the nation’s growth objectives.
