In a groundbreaking move, India is stepping into the spotlight of the artificial intelligence arena by hosting the inaugural Global South AI Summit. This significant event is attracting tech trailblazers and policymakers from around the world, as the nation strives to assert itself in a domain traditionally dominated by the United States and China. Over the next five days, New Delhi’s expansive Bharat Mandapam complex will welcome more than 250,000 participants, including leaders from 20 nations and ministerial delegations from over 45 countries, showcasing India’s ambition to lead in AI innovation.
A New Era for AI in India
The summit, which runs from February 16 to 20, is not only a platform for high-profile discussions but also a vibrant space where cutting-edge technologies come to life. Inside the bustling venue, robots are serving coffee, and startups are presenting their innovative voice assistants tailored to Indian languages. Attendees can explore AI tools aimed at interpreting Ayurveda, as well as sophisticated systems designed to combat online threats such as deepfakes and fraud—issues that have become increasingly pertinent for internet users in India.
The event marks a pivotal moment in AI history, as it is the first time such a major summit has been hosted by a developing nation. Previous gatherings were held in more affluent countries like the UK, South Korea, and France, highlighting India’s rising profile on the global stage.
The Competitive Edge of India
India currently holds the third position in AI competitiveness globally, trailing only behind the US and China, according to research from Stanford University. The nation’s robust digital infrastructure—including biometric identity systems and online payment platforms—positions it uniquely to harness AI across various sectors such as governance, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Abhishek Singh, additional secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and IT, emphasised this advantage during a pre-summit briefing, stating, “By overlaying AI over existing digital identity, payment rails as well as health care, education and governance stacks, India is attempting to compress decades of development into years.” This approach not only accelerates growth but also aims to make AI accessible and affordable for a diverse population.
One notable initiative, BharatGen, is set to introduce a new AI model that will support 22 Indian languages, catering to the country’s rich linguistic diversity. The summit showcases a robotic arm capable of assisting technicians in remote clinics, demonstrating how AI can enhance medical diagnostics and bridge the gap between rural healthcare and urban specialists.
Navigating the AI Landscape
The stakes are particularly high for India as it aims to avoid missing out on the AI revolution, much like it did with the personal computer boom. With a burgeoning software services industry and a history of technological agility—jumping from landlines to smartphones in just two decades—the nation is determined not to lag behind in this new era.
However, challenges remain. The advanced semiconductor technology essential for AI operations is predominantly controlled by American companies. Martin Willcox, global head of analytics at Teradata, cautioned against equating competitiveness with merely training larger models. He pointed out, “There is no good AI without good data,” advocating for a focus on effective deployment rather than solely on developing indigenous models.
Mandar Kulkarni, National Security Officer (India & South Asia) at Microsoft, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that India’s success in AI might not stem from having the largest models but from effectively integrating AI across various sectors. He framed the debate as one of balancing openness with security, as well as speed of innovation with regulatory governance.
The Future of AI in India
As security measures tighten around central Delhi and traffic restrictions are enforced, the atmosphere inside Bharat Mandapam buzzes with energy and anticipation. The banners proclaiming “People, Planet and Progress” underscore the summit’s themes, while high-level meetings tackle crucial topics like AI safety, inclusion, and governance.
The pivotal question remains: can India’s ambition to democratise AI for its 1.4 billion citizens translate into genuine technological leadership? Or will the next phase of this global competition continue to be defined by who wields the most powerful models and the hardware that supports them?
Why it Matters
India’s foray into the AI race at this historic summit could reshape the global landscape of artificial intelligence, particularly for developing nations. By advocating for inclusivity and accessibility, India is not only positioning itself as a formidable player in tech but also paving the way for innovations that prioritise the needs of its diverse population. The outcome of this summit may well determine whether India can shift the paradigm in a field where the stakes have never been higher.
