The Indian government has announced plans to invest over Rs 100 billion in computing infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) in the next two to three months, according to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. During the inaugural session of the IndiaAI Global Summit in New Delhi, Vaishnaw announced that the government will procure 10,000 or more graphics processing units (GPUs) through a public-private partnership to leverage industry efficiencies for a larger cause.
The AI Mission in India, approved by the Cabinet earlier this year, is still in its early stages but aims to develop skills that enable startups to test and build generative AI models and accelerate their efforts. Vaishnaw highlighted global interventions such as the European Union’s AI Law and the executive order in the United States, emphasizing the importance of AI in solving certain socio-economic problems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision on technology aims to democratize it and make it accessible to everyone, as modern technology can be expensive and limited to a few hands in many geographies. Vaishnaw noted that AI has made significant progress in the past year, with increased consumption and enthusiasm for how it can change businesses and society while also raising awareness of its risks to social institutions.
In his concluding remarks, Vaishnaw called on institutions like the OECD, UN, and EU to collaborate on ensuring that humanity harnesses the potential of AI while mitigating risks. The government’s investment in AI reflects a commitment to advancing technology for the benefit of all.