India is rapidly carving out its role as a key player on the global artificial intelligence (AI) stage, driven by the insights and initiatives from leading tech figures like Mukesh Ambani and experts like Dr. Bhooshan Kelkar. The GRCCISO Readiness Report revealed fascinating statistics on India’s readiness to tackle cybersecurity and resilience risks, showcasing the country at the forefront of global technology trends.
The 2024 Kyndryl Readiness Report emphasized India's remarkable commitment to technology modernization, with an astonishing 96% of business leaders identifying it as high priority. Notably, around 40% of these leaders feel prepared to manage future risks related to skills and talent gaps, highlighting India's capability to leverage its vast labor force effectively. While challenges remain, particularly concerning employee training investments, India stands firm as one of the countries best equipped to navigate the new technological terrain.
At the recent Nvidia AI Summit held in Mumbai, NVIDIA’s founder, Jensen Huang, highlighted the booming AI market within India. He regarded AI as the cornerstone of the country's digital transformation, capable of driving innovation across various sectors and cementing India's position as a global leader. Huang's endorsement of India's potential was echoed through his remarks on the need to create extensive AI infrastructure, marking India's capability to manufacture its own AI technologies.
“India has the best digital connectivity infrastructure—4G, 5G, and broadband—in the world,” Ambani proclaimed during the event, stating how Jio had altered the data usage dynamics within the country. With plans to deliver data at just 15 cents per GB compared to the significantly higher rates globally, Ambani envisions making AI and digital services more accessible to the everyday Indian. He emphasized, “For India and Indians, we need to repeat Jio for intelligence to make it really affordable and available to the common people,” stressing the need for collaboration across the industry.
The allure of AI isn't limited to business. It resonates with young minds eager to participate in this transformative wave. Dr. Bhooshan Kelkar, speaking at a Toastmasters International event, emphasized the importance of communication skills in the AI era. His message to the young audience reinforced the idea of equipping the next generation with the tools to navigate and leverage these advancements effectively.
Underlining the collaborative spirit necessary for progress, Ambani clarified, “This cannot be done by any one company or individual, but we all have to work together to bring this intelligence age safely to the world.” By fostering strong partnerships and providing vast opportunities for skill development through collaborations with major IT firms like Infosys and Wipro, India is setting the stage for a skilled workforce capable of spearheading the AI revolution.
Huang confirmed plans for Nvidia and Reliance to build extensive AI infrastructure, noting the Indian market's size and diversity as key ingredients for developing indigenous AI capabilities. “One of the great advantages India has is its very large population of users. You have the fundamental ingredients: AI, data, AI infrastructure, and users,” he explained.
This collaborative infrastructure aims at automizing industrial tasks across various sectors, such as energy and manufacturing. The marketing of AI technologies will hinge on establishing data centers equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as Nvidia’s Blackwell AI processors, which will be integral to enhancing India’s technological capabilities.
For students and young professionals, the growing focus on AI training is promising. With the announcement of upskilling nearly half a million developers, Nvidia's collaboration with Indian IT firms marks another step toward ensuring workforce readiness for the digital age.
India's dynamic spirit and adept handling of its resources position it as not just participants but potential leaders within the AI narrative. With the collective efforts of technology leaders, industry giants, and the government, India's pathway to becoming a global powerhouse in AI seems more attainable than ever.
With all these initiatives and the collective excitement surrounding advancements, the future of AI appears bright for India. The nation stands on the cusp of not only participating but thriving equally within the global AI revolution, making strides toward building systems and frameworks conducive to fostering innovation and creativity.
India is not merely aiming to be involved; it seeks to establish itself firmly on the global AI map, fostering collaborations and initiatives necessary to create a level playing field and equal prosperity. The global south may glimpse the brighter horizons of AI-driven opportunities as India takes the lead.
