India is fast becoming a major player in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasizing its growing role in global AI advancements. Over the past year, the number of Indian users on OpenAI’s platforms has tripled, reflecting the country’s increasing engagement in AI-driven innovation. During a conversation with India’s Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Altman commended India’s broad AI strategy, covering everything from chip development to advanced AI applications. He stressed that India should be at the forefront of the AI revolution, particularly as global competition intensifies with emerging players like DeepSeek challenging the dominance of Western AI firms, including OpenAI. Altman expressed confidence in India’s potential to shape the future of AI.
His visit aligns with India’s ambitious push to strengthen its AI capabilities. The government is actively working on developing a competitive AI model designed to be both affordable and widely accessible. Unlike expensive global alternatives, India’s AI framework aims to cut costs significantly, with plans to offer AI services for under $1.14 per hour. This initiative is expected to enhance India’s position in the global AI landscape and create new opportunities for innovation. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a world-class AI ecosystem, ensuring that the country can compete on an international scale.
At the same time, India is grappling with legal complexities surrounding AI, including copyright disputes involving OpenAI. While concerns about AI-generated content and data sourcing persist, OpenAI maintains that its use of publicly available data complies with legal standards. Despite these challenges, India remains focused on establishing itself as a leader in AI research and development.
