Vikas Kanungo, April 06, 2025, New Delhi, India.

In a significant move to bolster India’s artificial intelligence capabilities, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has received an overwhelming response to its call for proposals aimed at developing indigenous AI foundation models. As of March 15, 2025, a total of 187 proposals have been submitted, reflecting the nation’s robust interest in creating AI solutions tailored to its unique linguistic and cultural diversity.

This initiative is a cornerstone of the broader IndiaAI Mission, which was approved in 2024 with a budget allocation of ₹10,300 crore over five years. The mission aims to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem by democratizing computing access, enhancing data quality, and fostering indigenous AI capabilities. A key component of this mission is the development of a high-end common computing facility equipped with 18,693 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), positioning it among the most extensive AI compute infrastructures globally.

The submitted proposals encompass a diverse range of AI models, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Large Multimodal Models (LMMs), and domain-specific models targeting sectors such as healthcare, education, and financial services. This reflects a concerted effort to address India’s multifaceted challenges through AI-driven solutions. In parallel, the government is actively engaging with global AI leaders to explore collaborative opportunities. Notably, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, met with India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss strategies for creating a low-cost AI ecosystem, highlighting India’s commitment to integrating international expertise with domestic initiatives.

Vikas Kanungo Perspective: “India’s proactive approach in developing indigenous AI foundation models marks a pivotal shift from being a consumer to a creator in the global AI landscape. By leveraging our rich linguistic diversity and demographic dividend, we have the opportunity to craft AI solutions that are not only contextually relevant but also globally competitive. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative innovation, where public and private sectors, along with international partners, coalesce to build AI models that resonate with our societal needs and ethical values. The emphasis on domain-specific models further ensures that AI’s transformative potential is harnessed effectively across critical sectors, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable development.”