New Delhi [India]: India is struggling to develop large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) models and remains heavily dependent on foreign technology, according to a report by Motilal Oswal.
The report highlights major challenges such as:
- A shortage of high-end AI hardware
- Limited access to advanced GPUs and cloud computing
- Insufficient funding for research and development
These hurdles prevent India from competing in the global AI landscape, making it difficult to build cutting-edge AI models.
Financial & Infrastructure Barriers
One of the biggest obstacles is the high cost of developing AI models. The report states that India has a low risk appetite for AI research and limited financial support, slowing innovation.
DeepSeek: A Potential Solution?
Despite these challenges, the emergence of DeepSeek presents a cost-effective alternative for AI development in India. DeepSeek’s open-source model allows developers to freely modify and use the technology, reducing financial barriers.
Additionally, DeepSeek is optimized for efficiency, meaning it does not require high-end GPUs or expensive hardware to function effectively. This could be particularly useful in India, where computing resources are scarce.
Another advantage is the ability to customize AI models for India’s diverse linguistic and cultural needs, making it a promising solution for the country’s AI ecosystem.
Government Initiatives to Boost AI
To address these issues, the Indian government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore under the IndiaAI Mission to:
- Develop India’s own foundational AI models
- Establish data centers
- Improve AI infrastructure
Additionally, Rs 500 crore has been set aside for setting up Centers of Excellence (CoE) in AI for education, as well as expanding existing AI centers in agriculture, healthcare, and urban planning.
Way Forward
While government initiatives aim to strengthen AI development, more investment in research, innovation, and infrastructure is needed. The report suggests that leveraging cost-efficient AI models like DeepSeek could help India reduce reliance on foreign technology and drive self-reliance in AI advancements.