India is rapidly advancing towards AI self-reliance, with 12 companies developing foundation models using 38,000 GPUs at just ₹65/hour. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) set this momentum with pre-summit events at the India Mobile Congress 2025, ahead of the high-profile India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
Frugal, Inclusive, Globally Replicable AI Model
Secretary MeitY, Shri S. Krishnan, highlighted India’s frugal, innovative model for digital transformation—emphasizing scalable, public-private partnerships and a level playing field for all AI providers. This approach, already drawing international attention, aims to serve as a blueprint for the Global South by delivering accessible, resource-efficient AI at scale.
Foundation Models and GPU Compute Revolution
Thanks to the IndiaAI Mission, approved in 2024, compute is now accessible and affordable:
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38,000 GPUs are available at ₹65/hour.
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12 Indian companies are currently building state-of-the-art foundation models.
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India’s national large language model is scheduled for launch by the end of 2025, reducing dependence on foreign systems and supporting a sovereign AI ecosystem.
Key Focus Areas and Roadmap
Four thematic panels at the IMC 2025 pre-summit events underscored India’s AI vision:
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Telecom for Impact: Utilizing AI in telecom infrastructure and connectivity for socio-economic benefit.
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Trustworthy AI: Establishing frameworks for safe, transparent, and people-first AI.
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Building the Workforce: Developing inclusive, future-ready talent pools.
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Inclusive Growth: Leveraging AI for equity and social good.
Human-Centric and Responsible AI
Officials and industry leaders, including MeitY’s Shri Abhishek Singh and Smt. Kavita Bhatia, stressed AI’s role in predictive maintenance, financial inclusion, rural connectivity, and trustworthy digital infrastructure. IndiaAI’s efforts now span AI skilling, the development of a national data platform, democratized compute access, ecosystem support for startups and researchers, and strong AI safety standards.
India–AI Impact Summit 2026: Self-Reliance
The India–AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19–20 in New Delhi, will focus on:
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People: Ensuring AI serves humanity, diversity, and accessibility.
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Planet: Leveraging AI for sustainability and climate resilience.
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Progress: Democratizing AI access and using it for healthcare, governance, education, and agriculture.
The summit’s “seven chakras” will guide multilateral cooperation, with action focused on human capital, social inclusion, trusted AI, resource efficiency, scientific discovery, democratized access, and scaling AI for economic and social good.
Conclusion
India’s model for AI development is inclusive, innovative, and globally relevant—supported by unique public-private partnerships and a strong institutional commitment. With a national large language model slated for 2025 and the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 bringing global leaders together, India is shaping the future of responsible, equitable AI for both its citizens and the Global South.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
