“India Accelerates AI Ambitions with Safety and Innovation at the Core”

India has significantly ramped up its focus on artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing its transformative potential across governance, economy, and society. A major step in this direction is the launch of the IndiaAI Safety Institute, a government-backed initiative aimed at ensuring the ethical, safe, and reliable deployment of AI technologies. This institute will focus on the development of indigenous AI systems rooted in India’s socio-cultural context and diverse datasets. It will also engage in global dialogues to shape international AI governance frameworks, reinforcing India’s position as a responsible AI power.

In parallel, the Indian government is promoting domestic AI research and development by collaborating with academic institutions, research labs, and private companies. The goal is to foster innovation while ensuring that AI tools remain fair, transparent, and aligned with public interest. This push includes support for foundational models trained on Indian languages and data, enabling AI applications that can cater to regional needs  such as agricultural advisory systems, local-language healthcare assistants, and smart education platforms.

Private-sector companies are also integrating AI into their operations and products. For instance, OnePlus recently announced a new AI Call Assistant feature for the Indian market, capable of real-time language translation during phone calls. This technology aims to bridge communication gaps in India’s linguistically diverse population and reflects the growing trend of companies customizing AI tools to suit local user experiences. With smartphones being a primary mode of internet access in India, such AI innovations can drastically improve digital accessibility and inclusiveness.

Despite the enthusiasm, India faces challenges related to infrastructure, digital literacy, and data privacy. Many regions still lack the robust data centers and computing infrastructure required for high-scale AI applications. Furthermore, as AI becomes more pervasive, there is an urgent need to address ethical concerns around surveillance, algorithmic bias, and misinformation. To balance innovation with responsibility, India’s AI strategy emphasizes public awareness, regulatory frameworks, and inclusive policies that ensure AI benefits reach all segments of the population.