India’s Unique Approach to AI Autonomy: A Three-Pillar Strategy

On March 13, 2025, authors Mohamed Elbashir and Kishore Balaji Desikachari elaborated on India’s distinctive approach to artificial intelligence (AI) autonomy. Recognizing that the global race for AI supremacy is primarily driven by economic dominance and national security concerns seen in countries like the United States and China, India seeks to chart its course through a vision centered on homegrown AI solutions tailored to its developmental requirements.

This vision is defined by a three-pillar strategy aimed at positioning India as a significant global leader in AI. Key components of this strategy include:

• Democratizing AI through open innovation: India focuses on fostering development through open-source models and platforms, ensuring accessibility tailored to local contexts. Initiatives like the Bhashini platform integrate Indian languages into large language model processing, while the iGOT Karmayogi platform provides online learning for government training.
• Public-sector-led development applications: Implementing AI to tackle critical development challenges, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and education, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring technology meets the populace’s needs.
• Global leadership in sustainable AI development: India champions the integration of AI into efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while promoting ethical governance and enhancing South-South collaboration.

The strategy aims not just for technological independence but intertwines an innovative narrative where AI technologies stimulate inclusive growth across India’s diverse population of over 1.3 billion individuals.

AI Landscape: A Strategic Vision

The Indian AI ecosystem is a vibrant landscape enriched by government initiatives, private-sector innovation, and academia. As noted by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), over 1,600 AI-focused start-ups emerged as of 2023, reflecting India’s technological and entrepreneurial agility.

The government’s India AI mission, initiated in 2023, strives to create a foundational ecosystem that nurtures AI innovation across key sectors. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the initiative aligns AI applications with societal needs through responsible and ethical development practices.

Notably, India’s approach emphasizes utilizing AI for social good. Initiatives like the Responsible AI for Social Empowerment (RAISE) launched in 2020 further demonstrate this commitment, underscoring AI’s potential to elevate India’s national development agenda by 2030.

Democratizing AI through Open Innovation

India actively promotes open-source AI development fostering collaboration within the global AI community. Initiatives like Bhashini, aimed at supporting twenty-two official languages, signify India’s dedication to making AI accessible to all stakeholders.

Additionally, platforms such as the iGOT Karmayogi showcase scalability in providing digital training for government employees. The collaboration between academic institutions like the Indian Institute of Science and various public platforms underlines India’s commitment to advancing open-source AI research.

The Role of the Public Sector

India’s socio-economic challenges necessitate tailored technological solutions. Critical issues within healthcare, education, and agriculture compel innovative AI applications aimed at closing significant service gaps. For instance, AI-driven platforms, such as eSanjeevani, demonstrate how technology can improve healthcare accessibility in rural regions.

By approaching AI not merely as a technological advancement but as a transformative tool for social good, India’s public-sector initiatives position AI to foster socio-economic inclusion and development at scale. This model exemplifies the strength of governance in harnessing technology to address complex challenges faced by its populace.

Shaping Tomorrow: India’s Future AI Leadership

Looking forward, India aims to establish itself as a key player in the global AI landscape by 2030, aspiring to lead in research, innovation, and application. This coordinated effort reflects an understanding that AI can generate socio-economic impacts through ethically guided principles, positioning India favorably amidst emerging global challenges. As India progresses, its experiences may provide valuable insights for other developing nations looking to harness the power of AI for inclusive growth.