New Delhi — India is positioned to become a global leader in the widespread adoption and delivery of artificial intelligence, leveraging its experience in developing large-scale digital infrastructure, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani said Tuesday.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Nilekani said India’s strength would lie in making AI technologies accessible to large populations rather than competing solely in the development of advanced AI models.
Nilekani, who also chairs the High-Powered Task Force on Examination Reforms for the National Testing Agency, argued that artificial intelligence would not become a winner-take-all industry dominated by a handful of companies.
He said much of the current discussion focuses on generative AI models such as GPT, but the technology cannot be controlled by any single organization.
According to Nilekani, continued advances in semiconductor technology and computing infrastructure will enable more companies to participate in the AI market, creating opportunities across industries.
He said India’s experience in building and deploying digital systems at a national scale would provide a significant advantage as AI becomes more widely integrated into businesses and public services.
Nilekani also rejected predictions that artificial intelligence would undermine the business models of established Indian information technology services companies.
He said demand for services provided by companies such as Infosys is increasing as businesses seek assistance in implementing AI technologies.
Describing pessimistic forecasts about the future of IT services companies as “disaster marketing,” Nilekani said AI adoption would generate additional opportunities for the industry rather than eliminate the need for its services.
His remarks came as India continues to emphasize the use of emerging technologies to expand economic opportunities and improve access to digital services.
Speaking earlier at the forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s approach to technological development, emphasizing the importance of making innovations accessible to a broader population.
Modi said India had demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation by supplying vaccines to more than 100 countries and using its manufacturing capabilities to support other nations.
He also referred to India’s recent AI Impact Summit, where discussions explored applications of artificial intelligence for both people and animals.
The prime minister said India’s expanding digital infrastructure has helped create opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and businesses across the country.
“After 2014, when a new government was formed in India and we got the opportunity to serve, India focused on making mobile data affordable. As a result, today, a student in a small town can access digital learning. A small shopkeeper in a village can reach new customers. A young person can enrol in new online courses,” Modi said.
He added that wider access to technology has enabled new talent to emerge and encouraged the development of innovative solutions.
The comments from Nilekani and Modi highlighted India’s ambition to use its digital infrastructure and technology services industry to accelerate AI adoption across the economy, with an emphasis on bringing the benefits of artificial intelligence to businesses and individuals on a large scale. (Source: IANS)
