The article first appeared in Indian Express on Feb 19, 2025.
The artificial intelligence landscape is entering a new phase—one that resembles digital colonialism, where corporate sovereignty of tech giants overshadows national sovereignty. The Paris AI Action Summit showcased ambitious declarations and initiatives, but the underlying reality remains clear: Western nations, particularly the US and the UK, continue to dominate the AI ecosystem. With India set to host the next AI summit, the country faces both a critical challenge and a transformative opportunity. Instead of playing by rules set by dominant players, India must focus on building its own AI strategy tailored to its unique socio-economic needs.
While India has made strides in artificial intelligence, it lags behind global leaders in cutting-edge AI research, development, and deployment. The reliance on foreign-developed AI models, cloud infrastructures, and computing power underscores India’s vulnerability in this new digital order. However, rather than trying to catch up in a race where the odds are stacked in favor of Western technology giants, India should focus on an independent approach.
One of the key priorities must be investing in indigenous AI infrastructure. India needs to develop its own large-scale computing resources, promote domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and incentivize local AI startups. Without these foundational elements, the nation risks becoming overly dependent on external entities for its AI ambitions. Additionally, India must foster research collaborations between universities, the private sector, and the government to drive innovation in artificial intelligence.
Another crucial aspect is AI governance. While global discussions around AI ethics and safety remain largely symbolic, India can take the lead in shaping a fair and inclusive AI governance model. This includes enacting regulations that prevent monopolization by foreign tech giants while ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems. By setting its own ethical frameworks, India can create AI solutions that align with its societal and economic priorities.
Furthermore, leveraging AI for public welfare should be a central goal. From enhancing healthcare accessibility to optimizing agricultural practices, AI has immense potential to address India’s development challenges. By prioritizing AI-driven solutions for governance, education, and infrastructure, India can set an example for emerging economies worldwide.
The next decade will determine India’s role in the global AI order. Rather than being a passive participant, India must actively shape its destiny, ensuring that artificial intelligence serves its national interests and economic progress. The time for action is now.
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