Byte-Sized Bharat: Vaishnaw Calls for AI with a Local Accent

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted the pressing need for India to create artificial intelligence (AI) models that resonate with the country’s local languages, cultural subtleties, and social norms. During his address at the CII Annual Summit 2025, Vaishnaw stressed that the future of AI in India should not only mirror the nation’s rich diversity but also empower its citizens by making technology accessible to everyone.

 

He pointed out the swift advancements made through the government-supported IndiaAI Mission, which aims to provide high-end computing resources to startups, researchers, and students across the country. The mission has already received bids for over 18,000 GPUs, far exceeding the initial goal of 10,000, showcasing significant interest from the industry. Soon, the IndiaAI Compute Portal will offer affordable access to these resources, driving the creation of homegrown AI solutions.

 

A significant achievement is the selection of Sarvam AI to develop India’s first sovereign Large Language Model (LLM), which will be voice-centric, capable of advanced reasoning, and fluent in various Indian languages. This initiative is poised to promote strategic independence, spark innovation, and ensure that AI tools are accessible and relatable to every Indian, rather than just a privileged few.

 

Vaishnaw’s vision is unmistakable: as demonstrated by India’s digital public infrastructure, inclusivity and local relevance are crucial for technological advancement. The country’s AI journey is set to transform industries, empower its citizens, and establish India as a global frontrunner in ethical, culturally sensitive AI.

 

Image Source: Business Standard