Opinion: India's galloping journey towards Artificial Intelligence leadership

In 1956, when John McCarthy introduced the term "Artificial Intelligence" (AI), the idea that the 21st century would become synonymous with AI dominance was beyond anyone's imagination. However, the rapid intrusion of AI into our daily lives in the last decade or so has also made it imperative for us to be adequately prepared to deal with its inherent opportunities and potential on the one hand and its challenges and dangers on the other. The adoption of AI is being seen as the core of the fourth Industrial Revolution.

AI first entered India in the 1960s, thanks to Professor H.N. Mahabala's pioneering efforts. However, substantial progress in AI development only began after 2014, as the current government recognised its true potential. Under Prime Minister Modi's tech-focused policies, India has shifted from being a follower to a leader. Hosting the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit and leading GPAI in 2024 marks a significant leap. This journey underscores India's commitment to technology, aligning with PM Modi's vision for transformative development. The Indian government's Digital India initiative has given a boost to AI technology in the country.

The early notable moves of the Modi government for the promotion of AI were the "AI for All" initiative in 2018 under the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the National AI Portal (INDIAai) which was introduced by the Indian government with the support of MeitY in 2020. This platform shares information about AI developments in India, related resources, future projects, AI educational institutes, and companies in India focusing on AI.

The Indian government recognises the immense potential of the AI economy and is actively pursuing strategies to harness its benefits. According to a report, AI is projected to contribute a staggering $967 billion to the Indian economy by 2035, with an anticipated boost of $450-$500 billion to India's GDP by 2025. To propel this vision forward, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has established seven working groups dedicated to advancing AI initiatives.

The working groups, focusing on critical sectors like governance, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, have outlined multifaceted objectives. These encompass foundational research, technology development, promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the cultivation of AI skills. Recognising the pivotal role of startups, the groups emphasise how these centers can serve as catalysts for commercial viability, product development, and organising innovation challenges.

Under the framework of 'Make AI in India' and 'Make AI Work for India,' also the government has taken concrete steps, including the creation of centers of excellence for AI within premier educational institutions. These centers aim to foster scalable solutions in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable urban development. In a significant move, the 2023 Budget announced the establishment of three new centers of excellence on AI, reinforcing the government's commitment to technological advancement.

Furthermore, the strategic adoption of AI is poised to revolutionise diverse sectors of the Indian economy, ranging from agriculture to manufacturing. This transformative approach aligns with India's commitment to sustainability, reflecting a forward-looking stance that positions the country at the forefront of global technological innovation.

The Indian government is determined to lead in future technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a key role in this vision, especially in the Viksit Bharat Mission aimed at making India a developed nation by 2047. They understand that AI is crucial for the future and are also focusing on the growing space economy.

India is getting ready for the future economy by emphasizing innovation, cost-effectiveness, and growth in areas like AI and machine learning, especially within the space sector. This sector is seen as a promising frontier for economic growth. In 2021, India saw significant progress in space technology, especially for startups. Investments soared to $68 million, a huge 196% increase from the previous year. This boost was fueled by the establishment of 47 new space-tech startups.

The government played a crucial role in this growth by actively pushing for private entities in the space sector. The Indian Space Policy 2023 further strengthens this inclusion and allows private enterprises to handle everything from launching satellites to operating Earth stations. This approach not only fosters innovation in the space industry but also cements India's position as a global player in space technology.

As India combines AI with space technology, these efforts show a forward-thinking approach, aligning with the country's goals for overall development and global technological leadership. India is trying to push for AI in every domain. The inclusion of Digi Yatra in the aviation sector is a big propellant in providing hassle-free air travel to passengers by digitalising it. Similarly, the path-breaking Namo Drone Yojana is bound to usher in a new chapter of women’s empowerment and will prove to be a harbinger of modern-day agricultural revolution and prosperity.

India in the future is all set to become the “AI Garage of the World” as the Indian government, under PM Modi, continues its efforts to democratise AI.  AI opens the door for people to unleash their creativity and innovation. Serving as a valuable companion, AI takes care of routine and complex tasks, freeing individuals to concentrate on activities that demand human creativity. For India, this marks a unique opportunity to harness the creative potential of its youthful workforce, addressing crucial challenges in both industry and society. It stands as a golden chance for India to lead the way in the realm of AI.

(Tuhin A. Sinha is a national spokesperson of BJP, besides being an acclaimed author; Nishant Kumat Hota is a publicy policy consultant).