Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity AI, made a strong case for India's self-sufficiency in artificial intelligence during a recent interview with entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath on his podcast. Speaking on March 23, 2025, Srinivas emphasized that India must develop its own AI models to compete on a global scale, rather than relying solely on foreign technology.
Reflecting on his own journey, Srinivas recalled a three-week internship he undertook in Bengaluru, where he worked from his apartment in Koramangala. Though he didn’t get to explore the city extensively, he fondly remembered the city’s weather, which he referred to as “awesome compared to Chennai.” Srinivas remarked, “I worked really… I worked all the time. I’m very proud of that.” This work ethic has shaped his career, fueled by an intrinsic curiosity rather than a mere quest for rewards.
During the interview, Srinivas highlighted the significant untapped potential for artificial intelligence development in India. He suggested that the country should establish its own research companies akin to DeepSeek to train foundational AI models capable of competing internationally. He stated, "India should have its own DeepSeek-like company that not only competes in Indian languages but also on global benchmarks. That will inspire the next generation of engineers to build the future." This call to action underscores the need for innovation within India itself, focusing on homegrown solutions to meet local challenges.
Srinivas detailed a step-by-step approach for Indian startups looking to enter the AI landscape. His advice included raising additional funds, increasing user bases, and investing in data centers. He explained that AI development is a multi-stage process and that India must begin somewhere to build world-class AI systems.
One of the major gaps he identified in the current AI landscape relates to voice recognition and synthesis for Indian languages. He noted, “Most AIs are pretty bad at Indian voices. Speech recognition and synthesis aren't great, and western labs don’t prioritize this. But real-time AI voice synthesis that supports all Indian languages, accents, and grammar would be a game-changer.” By focusing on these areas of linguistic diversity and developing AI technologies tailored to India’s unique requirements, Srinivas believes Indian startups can carve out a competitive edge.
In discussing the importance of curiosity and questioning, Srinivas shared a memorable encounter with AI researcher Lex Fridman, who challenged him on various topics surrounding artificial intelligence. “I actually thought I knew all this, but this guy really tested me... I enjoy those kinds of conversations because it’s rare,” he explained. This conversation reinforced his belief in the value of inquiry. Citing Confucius, he remarked, "There’s even a saying from Confucius: you might feel like a fool for a minute if you ask a question, but you’ll be a fool for your lifetime if you don’t. I'm always in favor of people asking questions.”
By underscoring the necessity for a focused effort towards building a robust AI ecosystem in India, Srinivas not only highlights the pressing challenges facing the nation but also presents a clear roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs. As the global competition for AI leadership intensifies, the clarion call from leaders like Srinivas inspires hope that India too can be at the forefront of technological innovation.
