Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils India’s AI Ambition: Smaller, Smarter Models to Rival Global Giants |

Updated: January 21, 2026 12:06

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Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India is developing 12 artificial intelligence models, with the first set to launch soon. Positioned as a third global AI pillar alongside the US and China, India’s focus is on smaller, efficient, application-driven AI systems.

India is preparing to make a significant leap in the global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the country is currently building 12 AI models, with the first expected to launch soon. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Vaishnaw emphasized that India’s AI strategy is rooted in smaller, efficient, and application-focused models, rather than massive, resource-heavy systems.

Key highlights from the announcement:

Global Positioning: India aims to emerge as the third major pillar in AI, joining the United States and China.
Model Development: A total of 12 large language models (LLMs) are under construction, with three to four slated for early release.
Efficiency Focus: Vaishnaw noted that 95% of global AI tasks are handled by smaller models, underscoring India’s emphasis on affordability and accessibility.
Strategic Vision: The initiative is designed to democratize AI, ensuring that solutions are tailored for enterprise needs, public services, and grassroots applications.
Economic Impact: By prioritizing cost-effective AI, India hopes to empower startups, SMEs, and cooperative institutions, bridging the gap between advanced technology and everyday use.
Policy Context: The announcement aligns with India’s broader Digital India mission, which seeks to integrate cutting-edge technologies into governance, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

Vaishnaw’s remarks highlight a paradigm shift in AI development. Instead of competing with global giants on sheer scale, India is carving a niche by focusing on practical, efficient, and scalable AI solutions. This approach not only reduces dependency on expensive infrastructure but also makes AI more relevant for diverse industries and communities.

The upcoming launch of India’s first AI model will mark a milestone in the nation’s technological journey, signaling readiness to contribute meaningfully to the global AI landscape. Analysts believe this could accelerate innovation across sectors, from agriculture and banking to healthcare and education, while reinforcing India’s ambition to be a leader in responsible AI adoption.

Sources: NDTV, DD News, APN News

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