NEW DELHI: India’s ambition to expand access to artificial intelligence (AI) and establish a significant role in the global tech landscape encountered notable challenges at this week's Global AI Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government utilized the summit to urge prominent AI organizations, including OpenAI and Google, to consider open-source models aimed at social applications in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

“Some countries and companies believe that AI is a strategic asset and should therefore be developed confidentially,” Modi emphasized during his address. He argued that only through shared technological advancements could AI truly benefit the global community, a sentiment echoed by many in attendance. However, despite boasting a vast talent pool and being home to major IT enterprises like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services, India struggles to make significant strides in developing large language models or leveraging AI effectively.

India’s efforts to broaden access to AI and propose a framework for global governance were met with skepticism, particularly from the United States. Michael Kratsios, the White House Chief of Science and Technology Policy, firmly rejected the notion of global governance for AI. “We believe AI adoption cannot lead to a brighter future if it is subject to bureaucracies and centralized control,” he stated, highlighting the prevailing American sentiment about unfettered innovation.

Despite the challenges, the Global AI Summit became a platform for India to secure over $227 billion in investment commitments, primarily aimed at enhancing data center infrastructure. However, logistical issues plagued the event, including traffic congestion and lengthy entry delays, compounded by the withdrawal of several high-profile speakers, such as Nvidia's Jensen Huang and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

Experts warned that India lacks the robust computational infrastructure necessary to elevate its standing in the AI sector. James Manyika, Alphabet’s Senior Vice President, pointed out that the global south, in particular, requires significant investment to build this capacity. The geopolitical climate also hampers India’s bid for a regulated AI framework, according to industry insiders, suggesting that the ongoing strategic disagreements between nations slow the pace of collective progress.

In a bright spot, Indian start-up Sarvam AI launched its new large language model at the summit, focusing on practical applications rather than complex theoretical problems. Meanwhile, India’s IT services giants are beginning to strategically align with AI technologies, exemplified by TCS and Infosys forming partnerships with leading AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic to further integrate AI capabilities into their services. This emerging collaboration showcases India's potential to adapt and innovate within the AI landscape, even amidst a backdrop of geopolitical and infrastructural challenges.