India is positioning itself as a significant player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, aiming to stand alongside the US and China. The country’s approach focuses on merging technological advancement with wider accessibility and democratic involvement, as per a recent report by Pressenza. India is transitioning from being a mere consumer of AI technologies to a creator of cutting-edge AI systems, a developer of digital infrastructure, and an active contributor to global AI governance.
The report highlights India’s initiatives like the India AI Mission, which has received funding exceeding Rs 10,300 crore. This program is designed to enhance computing infrastructure, bolster research capabilities, nurture startups, curate high-quality datasets, and cultivate a skilled workforce. Additionally, India is making substantial investments in semiconductors through the India Semiconductor Mission, concentrating on chip design, assembly, testing, packaging, and manufacturing to decrease reliance on global supply chains.
India’s robust digital public infrastructure, encompassing Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and CoWIN, serves as a crucial asset in facilitating widespread AI adoption. Initiatives such as AI Kosha are also playing a vital role in generating reliable datasets for researchers, educational institutions, and businesses, thereby fostering domestic innovation and reducing dependence on foreign data ecosystems.
On the global front, India’s influence is on the rise, evident from the endorsement of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact by 91 nations and international bodies during the India AI Impact Summit 2026. By advocating for an AI framework that emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, strategic independence, and democratic accessibility, India is positioning itself as a connector between advanced economies and the Global South, the report emphasized.
