India is taking a giant leap into the future of artificial intelligence with plans to develop its own generative AI model tailored to the country’s unique cultural, linguistic, and societal needs. This ambitious initiative was unveiled by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union IT Minister, at the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave on January 30, 2025. The government’s AI mission, designed to reduce biases and address local needs, is set to make India a prominent player in the global AI landscape.
India’s AI Compute Facility: A Powerhouse of GPU Resources
The India AI Compute Facility will serve as the backbone for this project. With a massive investment in computational power, the facility has secured 18,693 GPUs, including high-end Nvidia H100s and Nvidia H200s — among the most powerful GPUs in the world. In a major update, Vaishnaw proudly announced that the country had surpassed its initial target of 10,000 GPUs, offering 15,000 high-end GPUs ready to power the country’s AI revolution.
This large-scale deployment of GPUs will support AI model development, distillation processes, and the creation of innovative algorithms. The facility is designed to empower startups, researchers, and academia, making AI computing power more affordable and accessible, especially with the introduction of a 40% subsidy for researchers and academic institutions.
Building Foundational AI Models for India
Vaishnaw also revealed the second phase of the IndiaAI mission: developing indigenous foundational AI models. These models will be specifically designed for the Indian context, focusing on local languages, cultural relevance, and eliminating biases. The government aims to foster innovative, open-source models that serve the needs of the Indian population.
“We are confident that at least six major developers will be able to create these models within the next six to eight months,” Vaishnaw stated, emphasizing the country’s growing software capabilities and innovation ecosystem.
Impact of US Export Controls and Data Privacy
Despite challenges like US export controls on AI chips, Vaishnaw assured that India’s GPU requirements lie well within the global cap, enabling the AI mission to progress unhindered. Moreover, India’s reputation as a country that respects intellectual property rights positions it well for global collaboration in AI research and development.
In a critical step toward data privacy, Vaishnaw announced that China’s open-source DeepSeek model will soon be hosted on Indian servers. This move mirrors the hosting of the Llama model, offering India greater control over data and mitigating potential privacy concerns.
Promoting Responsible AI Development
As part of India’s AI vision, the government is placing strong emphasis on AI safety. Vaishnaw confirmed the creation of an AI Safety Institute and introduced eight new projects under the Indigenous Governance of AI initiative. These projects will focus on developing frameworks, tools, and processes to ensure the ethical and safe use of AI technology.
Additionally, 18 selected application development projects will tackle real-world challenges in areas such as agriculture, climate change, and learning disabilities. These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to using AI as a force for good, driving positive social impact across various sectors.
India’s Role in the Global AI Landscape
Vaishnaw’s statements underscore a pivotal moment in India’s AI journey. The IndiaAI mission marks a new chapter where the country not only builds powerful AI models but also sets standards for responsible development and global collaboration. As India gears up to play a major role in the AI revolution, the government’s approach promises to position it as a key player in shaping the future of AI technologies.
The country’s software capability, innovation-driven ecosystem, and commitment to responsible AI are setting the stage for India to not just be a consumer of AI technologies but a leader in AI innovation.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
With the India AI mission leading the charge, India is poised to become a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence. By fostering indigenous AI models, promoting responsible development, and investing heavily in computational power, India is making sure it is ready for the future of AI-powered progress. As AI safety, data privacy, and ethics continue to be a major focus, India’s strategic approach will ensure that it leads the way in developing AI technologies that truly serve its people and the world.