India is determined to take the lead in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), with a firm focus on fostering innovation and creating new opportunities for its youth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reaffirmed this commitment, highlighting the country's efforts to harness the potential of emerging technologies. His statement came after a meeting with Vishal Sikka, former CEO of Infosys, who expressed his admiration for Modi’s in-depth understanding of technology and its societal impact.
The Prime Minister's message emphasised India’s readiness to not just adapt to AI, but to lead the global conversation on its development and application.
He reiterated that the focus would be on AI innovations that could drive substantial growth across various sectors while ensuring that young people have the necessary tools and resources to thrive in an AI-powered future.
This vision is in line with the government's broader strategy to position India as a key player in the global AI landscape.
Sikka, who is now the founder of Vianai Systems, a company centred around human-focused AI platforms, shared his thoughts on the meeting on social media.
He described the interaction as "insightful" and expressed being “inspired and humbled” by the Prime Minister’s profound understanding of how technology impacts people’s lives.
Sikka particularly praised Modi’s approach to AI, which blends technological advancement with democratic values, aiming to uplift the wider society.
This meeting between the two leaders underscores the government's commitment to creating a robust AI ecosystem, one that not only thrives on technological prowess but also aligns with the country’s democratic principles.
Last year, India launched the IndiaAI mission, a significant initiative aimed at boosting AI-related developments across the nation. The initiative received a major boost with the Union Cabinet’s approval of over Rs 10,300 crore in funding.
This funding aims to bolster the AI ecosystem by supporting research, development, and practical implementation of AI technologies. It is expected to drive transformative changes in various industries, including agriculture, education, healthcare, logistics, and finance.
In line with the mission, the government has also launched the ‘Future Skills’ initiative under IndiaAI, which has already seen over 8.6 lakh enrolments. This initiative, developed in collaboration with industry partners, provides training aligned with the latest technological advancements.
The primary aim is to upskill India’s workforce, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in AI-related fields. By focusing on enhancing AI workforce readiness, the initiative hopes to break down barriers to entry and build a strong pipeline of AI talent.
Additionally, AI Data Labs are being established in various cities across India, including Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Shimla, Aurangabad, Patna, Buxar, and Muzaffarpur.
These labs are designed to foster local talent and develop AI solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the country. The establishment of these labs is a key part of the government's strategy to decentralise AI innovation and ensure that all regions benefit from the opportunities AI presents.
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