New Delhi: India is making rapid strides in artificial intelligence (AI) with strategic government initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and self-reliance in the sector.

The Centre has rolled out a comprehensive roadmap under the IndiaAI Mission to establish a robust AI ecosystem, enhancing computing infrastructure, indigenous model development, and AI-integrated digital public platforms.

With an allocation of ₹10,300 crore over five years, the IndiaAI Mission aims to develop a high-performance computing facility with 18,693 GPUs. The initial phase has already deployed 10,000 GPUs, significantly boosting India's AI capabilities. Additionally, an open GPU marketplace has been launched to provide affordable access to startups and researchers, promoting inclusivity in AI development.

The government is also focusing on AI-driven solutions tailored to Indian needs. BharatGen, the world's first government-funded multimodal large language model (LLM) initiative, aims to enhance public service delivery. Other key initiatives include Digital India BHASHINI, enabling AI-powered language translation, and Sarvam-1, an LLM optimized for Indian languages.

To further support AI innovation, India has established three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities. The Union Budget 2025 has announced a fourth CoE dedicated to AI in education with an outlay of ₹500 crore.

India's AI talent pool is also expanding rapidly. The country ranks first globally in AI skill penetration, with AI adoption accelerating across businesses. The demand for AI professionals is projected to reach one million by 2026, reinforcing India's position as a global AI hub.

With AI integration in digital public infrastructure and a pragmatic regulatory framework, India is poised to emerge as a leader in AI innovation, driving economic growth and technological self-reliance.