The way we create content, learn and make decisions is changing faster than most of us can comprehend. ChatGPT alone attracts nearly 800 million weekly users. Microsoft recently announced it processed 50 trillion tokens in March (roughly 38 trillion words), while Google’s systems handled roughly ten times that - 480 trillion tokens per month. These are not fleeting trends; they signify a fundamental shift in how our world operates. Most of us are using AI without even realizing it - whether through Google Maps, YouTube or Search. Studies suggest many of us underreport our AI usage to appear more original.
For India, the critical question isn’t whether we embrace AI but how quickly we do so. Historically, we’ve leapfrogged outdated technology - moving directly to mobile phones instead of waiting for landlines and developing UPI rather than relying solely on credit cards. AI offers another opportunity to leapfrog, potentially becoming a foundational part of our national infrastructure.
We already know the challenges we face: too few teachers, inadequate radiologists and primary care physicians and limited access to essential public services. AI can uniquely address these issues in India. Its significance extends even further: AI isn’t just a tool for local solutions. Like food security, energy independence and defence preparedness, it now ranks among our highest national priorities.
Countries that build sovereign AI capabilities will shape global power dynamics. History consistently demonstrates that technological leadership drives geopolitical influence - the British Empire rose through naval dominance and industrial innovation. Similarly, AI will reshape economies, security and governance. The country with superior AI capabilities can claim global economic surplus, cybersecurity superiority and strategic defence supremacy. The global race for AI leadership is essentially a contest to define the future world order.
AI is also reshaping the nature of work. India produces over a million engineering graduates annually. As AI automates routine and cognitive tasks, roles across industries will rapidly evolve. Preparing our workforce to collaborate with intelligent systems is crucial, emphasizing skills in creativity, empathy and human-centric thinking.
The good news is we aren’t starting from zero. Indian-origin researchers are at the forefront of global AI breakthroughs, with one in four top AI experts having Indian roots. India ranks fifth globally in generative AI patents, covering technologies like text generation, image creation and automated coding. With government backing of Rs 10,372 crore, the IndiaAI Mission is establishing critical infrastructure to advance responsible, multilingual AI. While commendable, this investment is a drop in the bucket compared to what's needed to realize India's full AI potential.
Across the nation, AI-driven tools already address uniquely Indian problems - from healthcare AI like qure.ai and vaidya.ai, which provide accessible medical consultations, to language platforms like Bhashini that bridge communication gaps, and homegrown foundation AI models such as Sarvam. Moreover, Global Capability Centers have evolved from offshore service units to innovation powerhouses, developing cutting-edge products and research within India. With sustained momentum, India could soon host the world’s largest pool of AI talent.
Yet, promise alone isn’t sufficient.
India must accelerate both investment and ambition. Currently, most Indian companies allocate just 2% of their revenue to technology. This must double. Reskilling workers for roles that AI can’t automate - jobs demanding creativity, empathy and teamwork - is essential. The public sector must lead by example, integrating AI into schools, hospitals, courts and urban planning. Even incremental improvements through AI can significantly enhance public services.
Science fiction writer William Gibson famously said, “The future is already here - it’s just not evenly distributed.” This precisely captures India’s current situation. We have the talent, tools and timing. What we now need is the urgency to move swiftly and the vision to harness AI for our next great leap forward.
The writer is Co-founder, Group Chief Executive and Executive Vice Chairman, Fractal.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com)
For India, the critical question isn’t whether we embrace AI but how quickly we do so. Historically, we’ve leapfrogged outdated technology - moving directly to mobile phones instead of waiting for landlines and developing UPI rather than relying solely on credit cards. AI offers another opportunity to leapfrog, potentially becoming a foundational part of our national infrastructure.
We already know the challenges we face: too few teachers, inadequate radiologists and primary care physicians and limited access to essential public services. AI can uniquely address these issues in India. Its significance extends even further: AI isn’t just a tool for local solutions. Like food security, energy independence and defence preparedness, it now ranks among our highest national priorities.
Countries that build sovereign AI capabilities will shape global power dynamics. History consistently demonstrates that technological leadership drives geopolitical influence - the British Empire rose through naval dominance and industrial innovation. Similarly, AI will reshape economies, security and governance. The country with superior AI capabilities can claim global economic surplus, cybersecurity superiority and strategic defence supremacy. The global race for AI leadership is essentially a contest to define the future world order.
AI is also reshaping the nature of work. India produces over a million engineering graduates annually. As AI automates routine and cognitive tasks, roles across industries will rapidly evolve. Preparing our workforce to collaborate with intelligent systems is crucial, emphasizing skills in creativity, empathy and human-centric thinking.
The good news is we aren’t starting from zero. Indian-origin researchers are at the forefront of global AI breakthroughs, with one in four top AI experts having Indian roots. India ranks fifth globally in generative AI patents, covering technologies like text generation, image creation and automated coding. With government backing of Rs 10,372 crore, the IndiaAI Mission is establishing critical infrastructure to advance responsible, multilingual AI. While commendable, this investment is a drop in the bucket compared to what's needed to realize India's full AI potential.
Across the nation, AI-driven tools already address uniquely Indian problems - from healthcare AI like qure.ai and vaidya.ai, which provide accessible medical consultations, to language platforms like Bhashini that bridge communication gaps, and homegrown foundation AI models such as Sarvam. Moreover, Global Capability Centers have evolved from offshore service units to innovation powerhouses, developing cutting-edge products and research within India. With sustained momentum, India could soon host the world’s largest pool of AI talent.
Yet, promise alone isn’t sufficient.
India must accelerate both investment and ambition. Currently, most Indian companies allocate just 2% of their revenue to technology. This must double. Reskilling workers for roles that AI can’t automate - jobs demanding creativity, empathy and teamwork - is essential. The public sector must lead by example, integrating AI into schools, hospitals, courts and urban planning. Even incremental improvements through AI can significantly enhance public services.
Science fiction writer William Gibson famously said, “The future is already here - it’s just not evenly distributed.” This precisely captures India’s current situation. We have the talent, tools and timing. What we now need is the urgency to move swiftly and the vision to harness AI for our next great leap forward.
The writer is Co-founder, Group Chief Executive and Executive Vice Chairman, Fractal.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com)
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