The Indian government has officially launched the next stage of its ambitious AI mission, focusing on building foundational AI models specific to the nation’s needs. Speaking at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the mission’s core objectives, emphasizing enhanced computing power and the development of indigenous AI models.
Boost in Computing Power
A major highlight of the announcement was the expansion of India’s AI computing infrastructure. The India AI Compute Facility has acquired 18,693 GPUs, exceeding the initial goal of 10,000. This includes 12,896 Nvidia H100s and 1,480 Nvidia H200s, some of the most advanced GPUs available today. Approximately 10,000 of these GPUs are currently operational, providing a solid foundation for AI research and development.
Vaishnaw noted that even leading AI models like DeepSeek were trained on just 2,000 GPUs, underlining the vast potential of India’s AI initiative. He stressed that access to computing power is crucial for startups, researchers, and academic institutions, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to AI advancements.
Development of Indigenous AI Models
The second key focus of the IndiaAI mission is the creation of foundational AI models designed to reflect India’s linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. Vaishnaw stated that the government has established a framework for these models and has called for proposals from developers.
The initiative aims to address biases in AI systems and ensure datasets are representative of Indian citizens. This move aligns with the government’s vision of making AI technology more inclusive and adaptable to local needs.
Strengthening AI Capabilities for the Future
By significantly increasing computing resources and launching initiatives for foundational AI models, India is positioning itself as a major player in AI development. The IndiaAI mission is expected to boost innovation, drive economic growth, and create opportunities for businesses and researchers. With a strong focus on accessibility and indigenous development, the initiative could reshape the AI landscape in the country and beyond.
