India’s AI Strategy Targets Global Tech Leadership

India is rolling out a bold artificial intelligence (AI) strategy that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making technology accessible and impactful for all. The goal is to tackle local challenges, boost economic development, and create large-scale job opportunities. With a booming tech ecosystem that produces $250 billion a year and employs more than six million people, India is paving the way to become a global leader in AI innovation.
The country’s efforts have already earned global recognition. Ranked among the top nations for AI capabilities in the Stanford AI Index and securing the second-highest number of contributions to AI projects on GitHub, India’s developer community is rapidly gaining global relevance.
Central to this journey is the IndiaAI Mission, launched in March 2024. Built on seven foundational pillars, the mission promotes an open, scalable, and inclusive AI ecosystem. Supporting this, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has integrated the open-source LLAMA AI models into India’s AIRAWAT supercomputing infrastructure to enhance research and development access.
India’s AI governance also emphasizes ethical use and data protection. Legal frameworks such as the IT Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, provide tools to counter threats like deepfakes and identity fraud. Additionally, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 reinforces individual data rights, while the IT Rules of 2021 increase platform responsibility, mandating swift grievance handling for manipulated digital content.
Cybersecurity agencies like CERT-In are also playing a critical role by issuing regular safety guidelines and nurturing AI-specific talent through initiatives such as the Certified Security Professional in Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) program. A high-level advisory committee, led by the Principal Scientific Advisor, is currently shaping India’s AI-specific regulatory structure to align with its long-term priorities.
India’s AI strategy isn’t just about technology—it’s about national transformation, inclusivity, and global competitiveness.