Context

• The global AI race is intensifying, with the US making massive semiconductor investments and new open-source models challenging proprietary AI dominance.
• India has significant potential to become a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), backed by a robust digital infrastructure and a skilled workforce.

India’s Strengths in AI

• Enabling ecosystem:
  • India has an ecosystem that allows both public and private innovation to flourish.
  • For example, 14 million businesses registered on GST, 863 million internet users, and an expected 13.42% digital economy growth rate.
• Growing AI workforce and market:
  • India has 4,20,000 AI professionals, one of the largest AI talent pools.
  • With a 92% AI adoption rate, India leads global enterprise AI integration.
  • The $17 billion AI market potential positions India as a major player.
• Government initiatives and startup ecosystem:
  • The IndiaAI Mission reflects strong government commitment.
  • India has 240+ Generative AI startups, with 70% focused on industry-specific solutions (e.g., healthcare, education, BFSI, agriculture).
  • Examples:
    • Sarvam AI - Developing foundational models in Indian languages.
    • Niramai - AI-powered breast cancer detection.
    • BHASHINI - Breaking language barriers with support for 22+ Indian languages.

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a Model

• Financial inclusion and digital payments:
  • Bank account penetration increased from 30% to 80% in seven years.
  • The cost of opening a bank account reduced from $23 to 15 cents.
  • India processes 49% of global real-time payments (UPI transactions worth $568 billion/month).
• Tech-driven economic growth:
  • 108 unicorn startups emerged in the last decade, leveraging DPI.
  • Expansion into sectors like health-tech, lending platforms, and e-commerce.
• Crisis response and social welfare:
  • During COVID-19, $4.5 billion was instantly transferred to 160 million people.
  • Enabled leakage-free, real-time financial assistance to marginalized communities.

Challenges and the Need for AI Hardware Development

• Dependence on foreign AI hardware:
  • Graphics processing units (GPUs - key AI components) are controlled by the US.
  • The US AI diffusion rule places India in Tier II, restricting access to advanced GPUs.
• Strategic need for indigenous AI hardware:
  • India must develop its own AI hardware to ensure technological sovereignty.
  • Investment in AI hardware will create jobs, attract capital, and drive innovation.
  • India can position itself as a critical global supply chain player.

Recent Global Developments in AI

• US:
  • The US committed billions to semiconductor investments with the Stargate initiative, laying the groundwork for its technological future.
  • The aim was to create 1,00,000 jobs and secure pole position for the US in AI.
• China:
  • An open-source AI model emerged in DeepSeek, shaking the foundations of proprietary systems with its unmatched cost-efficiency and performance.
  • DeepSeek developed an open-source product in less than two years with 200 employees and less than $10 million in capital.
  • In comparison, OpenAI boasted 4,500 employees and had $6.6 billion in funding.

Roadmap for India’s AI Leadership

• Innovation with cost-effectiveness: Inspired by ISRO’s frugal engineering, AI development must be energy-efficient and cost-effective.
• Open-source AI development: Encourage an open-source AI ecosystem with strong software-computing convergence. Develop AI solutions for key challenges in education, healthcare, and governance.
• Sovereign AI models: Build AI models that are based on Indian datasets, free from external biases. Develop end-to-end AI ecosystems, not just application layers.
• Multilingual and multimodal AI models: India’s 22 official languages and regional dialects require AI models that ensure linguistic inclusivity.
• Global AI leadership and policy advocacy: As a Quad partner, India must negotiate for Tier-I status in AI diffusion. Push for unrestricted access to AI computing resources.
• Mission-driven urgency: AI leadership demands a mission-driven approach, with clear policy and regulatory support.

Conclusion

• India must transition from a service provider to a global AI innovator.
• India has the necessary foundation to catalyse both the pace and scale of a new wave of digital transformation.
• India must take decisive steps to build and fortify the hardware backbone powering AI systems, ensuring that they deliver unmatched efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Strategic investments in AI infrastructure, talent, and policy will define India's role in shaping the future of AI.
• This decade could mark India's transformation into a technological superpower.

Q1. What is the US Stargate Initiative, and how does it aim to shape the future of AI?

Ans. The US Stargate Initiative is a multi-billion-dollar investment in semiconductor and AI technology, aiming to create 1,00,000 jobs and ensure US dominance in AI. 

Q2. How does China's DeepSeek AI model challenge the dominance of proprietary AI systems?

Ans. DeepSeek AI is an open-source model. Its cost-efficiency and performance demonstrate the potential of open-source AI to disrupt proprietary models.

Q3. What are India's key strengths in AI, and how can they contribute to its global leadership?

Ans. India's 4,20,000 AI professionals, 92% AI adoption rate, and a $17 billion AI market form a strong foundation, positioning India as a key global AI player.

Q4. Why is indigenous AI hardware crucial for India’s technological sovereignty?

Ans. India is currently dependent on US-controlled GPUs, with restrictions under the AI diffusion rule. Developing domestic AI hardware will ensure independence, job creation, and innovation.

Q5. What strategic steps should India take to establish itself as a global AI leader?

Ans. India must invest in AI hardware, promote open-source AI, develop sovereign AI models, focus on multilingual AI, secure Tier-I status in AI diffusion policies, and adopt a mission-driven approach. 

Source:IE

Context

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved into a transformative force shaping industries, economies, and global geopolitics.
• While tech companies are modifying AI models in response, the event highlights the pressing necessity for regulatory frameworks to safeguard individuals, especially the vulnerable.
• In this context, India must recognise its critical role in global AI safety discussions, ensuring ethical AI adoption while preserving its competitive edge.

The Global Nature of AI and India’s Position

• AI operates across national borders, with data, algorithms, and innovations flowing seamlessly between regions.
• Effective governance requires a collaborative international approach, as individual nations cannot address AI-related risks in isolation.
• India, with an AI adoption rate of 30%, surpassing the global average, has emerged as a major player in the AI revolution.
• Additionally, it is the second-largest user base for ChatGPT, signifying the country’s growing reliance on AI-driven solutions.
• Despite its strong presence in AI usage, India remains absent from the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, an initiative launched in San Francisco in November 2024.
• This network builds upon the Seoul Statement of Intent, where nations committed to fostering global cooperation in AI safety.
• Given India’s substantial stake in AI’s future, its exclusion from such forums weakens its position in shaping global regulatory standards.
• To maintain its leadership, India must establish a national AI safety institute and actively participate in international discussions.

AI, Geopolitics, and the Need for Strategic Engagement

• The Rise of AI as a Geopolitical Tool
  • Leading global powers, particularly the United States and China, have identified AI as a crucial determinant of economic and military supremacy.
  • The United States, home to AI giants like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, has been imposing strict export controls on advanced AI models and semiconductor technologies, citing national security concerns.
  • While these policies are primarily targeted at restricting China’s AI advancements, they have broader implications for the global technology ecosystem.
  • India, despite being a major player in AI adoption, risks becoming collateral damage in these geopolitical manoeuvres.
  • If AI restrictions intensify, India’s access to cutting-edge AI models, cloud computing capabilities, and semiconductor supply chains could be severely impacted.
  • This would hinder India’s ability to develop homegrown AI solutions and maintain its competitiveness in critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, defence, and cybersecurity.
  • Given this evolving scenario, India cannot afford to remain a passive observer, it must actively participate in shaping AI governance frameworks that balance security concerns with the need for open collaboration.
• AI’s Role in Economic Growth and National Security
  • Beyond economic benefits, AI has significant implications for national security, particularly in areas such as defence, intelligence, and cyber warfare.
  • Advanced AI-driven surveillance systems, autonomous weaponry, and cybersecurity defence mechanisms are now integral to modern military strategies.
  • Nations that lead in AI development will have a strategic advantage in global security, influencing warfare tactics, intelligence gathering, and cyber resilience.
  • For India, ensuring robust AI capabilities is essential for strengthening national defence.
  • The country has already made strides in AI-driven defence applications, such as automated threat detection systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
  • However, without a strong AI governance framework and access to global AI research collaborations, India risks lagging behind in AI-driven military innovations.
• Active Engagement in International AI Safety Forums
  • Active engagement in international AI safety forums will allow India to contribute to and benefit from global discussions on AI in warfare, ensuring that ethical considerations and security safeguards are integrated into military AI applications.
  • Furthermore, AI-powered cybersecurity tools are crucial for protecting India’s digital infrastructure.
  • With the rise in cyber threats, including AI-driven hacking attempts and misinformation campaigns, India must prioritize AI-based cybersecurity innovations.
  • By aligning itself with global AI safety initiatives, India can strengthen its cybersecurity framework, mitigate risks, and collaborate on international efforts to counter AI-driven cyber threats.

The Way Forward

• Influencing Global AI Regulations: India must have a say in shaping international AI policies to ensure that regulatory frameworks consider its economic and technological priorities.
• Protecting Access to AI Technologies: By engaging in diplomatic AI negotiations, India can prevent restrictive policies from limiting its access to advanced AI tools and infrastructure.
• Enhancing Collaboration with AI Powerhouses: Active involvement in global AI safety discussions will foster partnerships with leading AI research institutions, enabling knowledge-sharing and innovation.
• Positioning India as a Responsible AI Leader: By advocating ethical AI development and ensuring AI’s alignment with human rights and democratic values, India can reinforce its position as a responsible technology power.

Conclusion

• In an era where AI is reshaping global power structures, India must recognise that AI governance is as much a diplomatic endeavour as it is a technological challenge.
• Strategic engagement with international AI bodies, proactive policy-making, and investments in domestic AI research institutions are vital steps toward securing India’s leadership in the AI-driven geopolitical landscape.
• By taking an assertive role, India can shape the future of AI in a manner that aligns with its economic ambitions, national security imperatives, and ethical considerations, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Q1. Why is AI considered a geopolitical tool?
Ans. AI influences national security, economic dominance, and military superiority, making it a key factor in global power struggles.

Q2. How could U.S. export controls on AI impact India?
Ans. Such restrictions may limit India’s access to advanced AI technologies, affecting its innovation, economic growth, and defense capabilities.

Q3. Why should India engage in global AI governance?
Ans. Participation ensures India can influence AI regulations, secure access to key technologies, and align AI policies with its national interests.

Q4. What role does AI play in national security?
Ans. AI enhances defense systems, cybersecurity, and intelligence gathering, making it crucial for military advancements and cyber resilience.

Q5. How can India position itself as a leader in AI governance?
By establishing an AI safety institute, collaborating internationally, and advocating ethical AI development, India can shape global AI policies. 

Source:The Hindu

Context

• The evolution of digital technology in India over the past three decades has brought with it new opportunities and challenges, especially in the field of education.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation in rural India, providing an unexpected push toward digital education.
• The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) data reflect this transformation, highlighting the growing accessibility of smartphones, the integration of digital learning tools, and the potential of technology to bridge educational gaps.
• However, despite these advancements, significant challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that technology benefits the underprivileged and enhances learning outcomes effectively.

An Overview of the Rise of Digital Technology in Rural Education

• Before the pandemic, digital education remained largely inaccessible to rural communities due to the lack of devices, connectivity, and digital literacy.
• However, as ASER data indicate, smartphone ownership in rural households has increased dramatically, from 36% in 2018 to 84% in 2024.
• The increasing accessibility of smartphones among children, particularly teenagers, suggests a growing familiarity with digital technology.
• This shift has the potential to transform learning experiences, allowing students access to educational content, online courses, and virtual training sessions.
• During the pandemic, digital tools primarily served as a substitute for traditional textbooks, with schools relying on digital worksheets, video lessons, and online assignments.
• While some of these practices diminished after the pandemic, the skills developed during this period laid the foundation for continued digital engagement.
• Today, with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), digital learning is entering a new phase, promising greater personalisation, accessibility, and interactive learning experiences.

Challenges in Utilising Technology for Education

• Limited Access to Devices and Internet Connectivity
  • Although smartphone ownership has increased significantly in rural India, access to personal devices for education remains uneven.
  • Many households share a single smartphone among multiple family members, limiting children's ability to use it for uninterrupted learning.
  • Furthermore, while urban areas benefit from reliable internet connectivity, many rural regions still struggle with poor network coverage, slow data speeds, and expensive internet plans.
• Digital Literacy and Lack of Technological Awareness
  • Digital literacy, the ability to navigate digital platforms, search for relevant content, and use educational applications, is still low among many rural students, parents, and even teachers.
  • ASER data suggest that a large percentage of mothers in rural India have received little to no formal education.
  • If parents are not digitally literate, they may struggle to guide their children in using digital learning tools effectively.
  • Many teachers in rural schools have limited exposure to digital teaching methods, making it difficult for them to integrate technology into their classrooms.
  • While digital learning resources are becoming more available, many students and teachers do not receive adequate training on how to use them efficiently.
• Fragmented School Attendance and Learning Outcomes
  • Although school access has improved in rural India, learning remains highly fragmented due to inconsistent attendance and varied schooling systems.
  • Some children attend government schools, others go to private institutions, and some rely on informal tuition centres.
  • Many children, especially in rural areas, skip school due to economic pressures, seasonal migration, or lack of parental enforcement.
  • This makes it difficult to integrate digital learning as a regular practice.
  • While digital learning tools exist, they often operate in isolation rather than complementing the existing school curriculum.
  • Without structured implementation, technology-based education may not effectively address learning gaps.
• Language and Content Limitations
  • Historically, language barriers have restricted access to quality digital education in India. Most high-quality educational content is available in English, making it difficult for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds to engage with digital learning effectively.
  • Although AI-powered translation tools are improving, high-quality interactive content in regional languages is still lacking.
  • Many educational resources are designed from a Western perspective, making them less relatable for rural Indian students.
  • Many digital learning platforms rely on text-heavy content, which may not be suitable for students with weak literacy skills.

The Role of AI and Future Prospects

• As digital learning evolves, AI presents new possibilities for education.
• AI-driven tools can help customize learning paths, provide real-time feedback, and make educational content available in multiple languages.
• Language barriers, which previously hindered access to digital learning resources, are gradually diminishing due to AI-powered translation and voice recognition tools.
• However, while technological advancements are promising, they must be implemented strategically to ensure they serve the needs of the underprivileged.

The Way Forward: Balancing Profit and Public Good in Digital Education

• Technology companies often operate within a for-profit model, which raises concerns about whether digital education can be truly universalised without significant philanthropic and governmental investments.
• While some initiatives aim to provide free educational resources, large-scale implementation of digital education solutions requires substantial funding, infrastructure, and policy support.
• India needs a well-defined roadmap to ensure that technology serves as an equalising force rather than exacerbating existing disparities.
• One possible solution is the establishment of digital learning hubs within rural communities, where intelligent devices provide structured educational support.
• Such hubs could serve as knowledge centres, answering students’ questions, guiding learning processes, and supplementing formal schooling.
• Additionally, community-driven digital education programs, similar to the pandemic-era broadcast learning initiatives in Maharashtra, could be expanded to enhance accessibility and engagement.

Conclusion

• The rapid expansion of smartphone access has created unprecedented opportunities for learning, but meaningful progress requires addressing key challenges.
• AI and other emerging technologies hold great promise, but their benefits must be made accessible to all, particularly the underprivileged.
• A strategic approach, balancing innovation, affordability, and inclusivity, will be essential in realising the true potential of digital education in India.

Q1. What is one major technological barrier to digital education in rural India?
Ans. Limited access to personal devices and unstable internet connectivity.

Q2. How does digital illiteracy affect education in rural areas?
Ans. Many parents and teachers lack the skills to use digital learning tools effectively, limiting their impact.

Q3. What socio-economic factor contributes to the gender gap in digital education?
Ans. Boys are more likely to have access to smartphones than girls due to cultural norms.

Q4. Why is fragmented school attendance a challenge for digital learning?
Ans. Irregular attendance prevents consistent use of digital tools, making learning unstructured.

Q5. How can digital education become more inclusive for rural students?
Ans. By developing high-quality, interactive content in regional languages and ensuring affordable access. 

Source:The Hindu