India is intensifying efforts to develop sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. This push aims to ensure self-reliance, protect national security, and make AI inclusive for its diverse population. The government and private sector are collaborating to build AI systems grounded in Indian data and culture. This approach counters reliance on foreign AI models that use Indian data but offer limited benefits back to the country.
Importance of AI Sovereignty
Sovereign AI means India controls its AI technologies and data. This independence boosts domestic startups and attracts private investment. Other countries, like China, have restricted foreign AI hardware to build local capacity. India’s sovereign AI will be sensitive to local languages, history, and culture, making it more accessible. It also strengthens national security by ensuring AI systems are transparent and free from hidden threats.
Key Ingredients for Building Sovereign AI
Three essentials are required – data, computing power, and skilled talent. India has vast data but limited computing infrastructure. Leading AI firms abroad operate with thousands of times more computing power. Bridging this gap needs large investments in hardware like GPUs. Skilled AI researchers and engineers are also crucial. India must attract and retain top AI talent through dedicated programmes and career opportunities.
Challenges from Foreign AI Models
Foreign AI companies offer free services to capture Indian users and data. This practice, known as predatory pricing, is backed by policies encouraging data export. Indian data is used to train closed-source models owned abroad. This risks India becoming a data provider without control. Partnerships that allow foreign AI access in education and government sectors can lead to data leakage and unfair competition.
Policy Measures for Sovereign AI
The government should mandate that AI models serving India operate on infrastructure within Indian borders. This will prevent data from flowing abroad and protect privacy. Only sovereign or open-source AI models should be used for government functions. Foreign AI licences for students and teachers should be restricted to avoid data exploitation. Encouraging local AI manufacturing with full value addition is vital while welcoming foreign investment and intellectual property.
Building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Integrating government services, education content, tourism, and emergency systems into a unified digital platform is essential. Sovereign AI applications should align with this DPI to offer easy access for all citizens. Multimodal access via voice, apps, and messaging will enhance reach. This will democratise AI benefits and ensure inclusion across India’s diverse population.
Leveraging AI Demand to Attract Investment
India’s large population creates enormous AI demand. Mandating local AI inference and expanding AI services will draw private and foreign investment in computing infrastructure. This will also encourage global AI talent to work in India. Enhanced computing resources and data curation will encourage a virtuous cycle, accelerating India’s AI capabilities and global competitiveness.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the significance of data sovereignty in the development of Artificial Intelligence in India with suitable examples.
- Explain the role of Digital Public Infrastructure in governance and how it can be leveraged to promote inclusive AI applications.
- What are the challenges and opportunities presented by foreign direct investment in India’s AI sector? Discuss with reference to national security and economic growth.
- With suitable examples, comment on the importance of skilled talent and computing power in advancing AI research and innovation in developing countries like India.
