The recent announcement of the $500 billion Stargate project by the United States has sent a strong message to India about the urgent need for self-reliance in artificial intelligence (AI). The venture, a collaboration between SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle, seeks to build AI-driven data centers and is projected to generate over 100,000 jobs. This venture has set off alarms for experts in India, signaling that the country must act swiftly to strengthen its own AI infrastructure and capabilities.
The Stargate project is seen by many policy experts as part of the broader US strategy to control critical technology. With the ownership of large language models (LLMs) and key infrastructure by US firms, some view the initiative as a way to centralize power over the emerging AI landscape. As SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle lead the way in developing AI data centers, the challenge for India becomes clear: the country must create its own data infrastructure and ensure it has complete control over its AI systems.
Ajai Chowdhry, founder of HCL and chairman of the EPIC Foundation, advocates for India’s immediate push towards strategic autonomy in AI. According to him, the country must urgently devise its own AI doctrine and focus on controlling its own data. “To ensure strategic autonomy, we must develop our own hardware for data centers and create a strong domestic AI infrastructure,” he said. His call is for both the government and the private sector to work together toward this goal.
India’s efforts in this direction are already underway. The country’s IndiaAI mission, with a budget of Rs 10,000 crore, aims to foster sovereign AI capabilities. The mission’s focus includes developing AI applications, creating datasets, and establishing innovation centers, all with the intent to build a self-sustaining AI ecosystem. However, experts argue that the US’s strategic moves in AI and technology are a wake-up call for India to take even bolder steps.
One of the challenges India faces is the potential restriction on AI chip exports. The Biden administration recently announced plans to limit the export of graphic processing units (GPUs), critical components for AI models. This move could restrict countries like India from accessing the hardware needed for AI innovation, highlighting the need for India to develop its own AI chips and models.
A potential solution, according to AI researcher Suvrankar Datta, is the formation of consortia within India that can harness vast amounts of data, particularly in the healthcare sector. By pooling data across the country, India could create its own frontier AI models, such as multimodal models for healthcare applications. Such initiatives would not only advance the AI field but also help build India’s domestic expertise and infrastructure.
However, to realize this vision, collaboration between government, academia, and industry is crucial. The government must create the right policies and conditions, but industry leaders and academics must play an active role in creating the necessary infrastructure. Dhruv Garg, a tech lawyer and partner at the Indian Governance and Policy Project (IGAP), argues that India needs significant investments from large domestic companies, such as Reliance Industries, Adani Group, and Tata, to launch ambitious AI initiatives.
While the Stargate project’s financial backing comes from the US private sector, Indian industry leaders believe that domestic conglomerates should take the lead in funding India’s AI future. “India has already made strides with the IndiaAI mission, but projects like Stargate show that much more needs to be done,” said Garg. His view highlights the importance of public-private partnerships to drive India’s AI development.
On the other hand, some view the US’s efforts in AI as beneficial for Indian professionals. The exposure to international companies such as Nvidia, Microsoft, and SoftBank will help Indian talent develop the skills and expertise necessary to compete globally. “India can learn a lot from the Stargate project and apply similar strategies to build a robust AI ecosystem,” said Ashok Chandak, president of the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA).
In conclusion, while the US’s Stargate project may seem like a challenge to India’s ambitions, it could also be an opportunity for the country to accelerate its AI development. By focusing on self-reliance, fostering innovation, and investing in domestic AI infrastructure, India can ensure its place at the forefront of the global AI race.