India AI Mission: A ₹10,300 Crore Push Towards Innovation

India is not merely dabbling in Artificial Intelligence (AI)—it is actively crafting policies and shaping its trajectory with precision and foresight. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made this clear while addressing the 6th Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Kottayam. She painted a compelling picture of India’s AI journey—not as a passive observer but as an active architect of its growth and governance.

India at the Helm of AI Adoption and Policymaking

At the heart of Sitharaman’s speech was a bold assertion: India is leading the way in AI adoption and policymaking. This isn’t just about keeping pace with global trends but setting them. The government, she emphasized, is taking inputs from various stakeholders—researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers—to craft a roadmap that ensures AI's ethical, inclusive, and responsible use.

A testament to this commitment was India’s co-chairing of the AI Action Summit in Paris alongside France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a powerful vision—AI is not just a national concern; it’s a global responsibility. He championed the need for trustworthy AI, one that is ethically designed and widely accessible, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than divides it.

 Big Moves in AI and Technology

To solidify India’s position as a global AI powerhouse, Sitharaman highlighted several key government initiatives:

1. India AI Mission

A whopping ₹10,300 crore initiative, this mission aims to build AI computing infrastructure, nurture indigenous AI capabilities, attract top global AI talent, and supercharge the startup ecosystem.

2. Centres of Excellence in AI

Three AI-focused centres—dedicated to Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities—came to life in 2023. This year’s budget adds another feather to India’s cap: a new Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, ensuring AI's transformative power reaches classrooms.

3. IN-SPACe Partnerships

AI isn’t the only frontier India is conquering. The space sector is getting a significant boost, with over 70 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with private entities to enhance non-government participation in space exploration and technology.

4. National Green Hydrogen Mission

Sustainable energy is another domain where India is setting benchmarks. With a ₹20,000 crore investment, this mission aims to make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and exports, reinforcing the country’s commitment to clean energy.

Fostering Research and Innovation

India’s tech evolution isn’t just about implementation; it’s about leading from the front in research and development. Sitharaman highlighted the government’s unwavering support for cutting-edge research through:

• India Semiconductor Mission (2021) & National Quantum Mission (2023): Accelerating breakthroughs in semiconductor technology and quantum computing.

• ‘Anusandhan’ Corpus: A ₹1 lakh crore fund designed to provide long-term financing for pioneering research in frontier technologies.

• 10,000 PM Research Fellowships: Encouraging high-impact research in premier institutions like IITs and IISc.

• Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling: Equipping the youth with advanced manufacturing skills to keep India ahead in the global innovation race.

India’s Innovation Boom: Numbers Speak Volumes

The results of these initiatives are already showing. India's Global Innovation Index ranking has catapulted from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024. The patent-to-GDP ratio has soared from 144 in 2013 to 381 in 2023. Additionally, India has:

• Secured the 6th position in global intellectual property filings.

• Climbed from 79th in 2019 to 49th in the Network Readiness Index 2024.

These numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent a fundamental shift in India’s innovation ecosystem—one that is driven by policy, ambition, and execution.

IIIT Kottayam: A Rising Star in Research and Entrepreneurship

Sitharaman didn’t just talk about national policies—she took a moment to recognize the local impact as well. IIIT Kottayam is emerging as a force in research and entrepreneurship, boasting three incubation centres, including an Atal Incubation Centre and two MSME-focused hubs. The institute’s faculty and students have collectively published over 400 research papers, with even undergraduate students making significant contributions.

India’s AI-Powered Future: A Global Vision in Action

India’s journey in AI and advanced technologies is not just about progress; it’s about leadership. The government’s vision is clear—AI will be a pillar of India’s digital transformation. From shaping global AI policies to fostering deep-tech research, India is ensuring that its digital future is not just robust but also responsible.

As India gears up to lead the next wave of technological disruption, one thing is certain—this is not an experiment; this is a revolution in the making.