India’s Ambitious AI and GPU Development Plans
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Discusses Future of High-End Computing in India
In a recent Budget Roundtable 2025 organized by India Today and Business Today, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India is on track to develop its own high-end computing chipsets, specifically GPUs (graphics processing units), within the next 3-5 years. Additionally, a local foundational AI platform is expected to be available within the next 10 months.
Immediate GPU Access for AI Development
During the event, Vaishnaw revealed plans for the government to establish 18,000 high-end GPU-based compute facilities across the country. He indicated that about 10,000 of these facilities are ready for use, with the rollout of services expected to commence in just a few days.
Leveraging Global Knowledge for Local Development
“We are working on multiple, actually three options, where we take a chipset that is reasonably available in open source or licensed formats and build upon that to create our own GPU,” Vaishnaw explained. This strategy, he noted, is similar to the global approach in the semiconductor industry.
Surging Demand for GPUs
GPUs, originally designed for processing multimedia content such as gaming and video processing, have seen a surge in demand due to the increasing interest in AI technologies. Currently, Nvidia, a leading US chip company, holds over 80 percent of the GPU market share.
Positive Developments in AI Models
Vaishnaw highlighted that various startups in India are developing innovative AI models, albeit at a smaller scale compared to giants like ChatGPT. Notably, Indian Railways has improved its ticket confirmation rates by 27 percent using AI models.
Accessible Computing Infrastructure
The minister underscored the importance of high-end computing infrastructure for AI model development, stating that while it can be costly, the government has created mechanisms to provide access at a lower cost. This initiative aims to benefit researchers, startups, and academic institutions across India.
Timeline for India’s AI Foundational Model
When questioned about India’s timeline for introducing its own AI foundational model, Vaishnaw confidently stated, “10 months is the outer limit.”
Investigating Global Research
The minister mentioned that many researchers and startups are studying significant research papers, including those from as early as 2003 and 2005, to enhance the efficiency of AI processes.
Addressing Political Allegations
In the course of the event, Vaishnaw addressed allegations from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the historical impact of license raj on manufacturing. He asserted that the government’s Make in India initiative has revitalized the manufacturing ecosystem.
Job Creation through Make in India
Vaishnaw noted that the mobile manufacturing segment under the Make in India program has successfully created 1.2 million direct and indirect jobs, showcasing the program’s effectiveness.
Quality and Precision in Indian Manufacturing
To illustrate the advancements made by Indian electronic manufacturers, the minister showcased a metallic component that, despite its complexity, appeared seamless to the naked eye. He emphasized the high level of precision achieved by an Indian company supplying parts for high-end mobile phones from global brands like Apple and Samsung.
Range of Manufactured Products
India now produces various components essential to the mobile phone industry, including chargers, battery packs, USB cables, keypads, display assemblies, camera modules, lithium-ion cells, speakers, microphones, and vibrator motors.
Learning from the Past
Reflecting on the past four decades, Vaishnaw remarked that the period from 1950 to 1990 severely hindered the manufacturing ecosystem due to the license-permit raj. He acknowledged that while changes began with liberalization in 1990, the Make in India program has significantly benefited the sector since its inception.
Comparative Growth with China
Vaishnaw expressed a sense of optimism about India’s progress, stating, “I wish we had started when China did in 1979, but it’s never too late.” He remains hopeful about the future of Make in India and its impact on technological development.
Conclusion
India is making strides in AI and GPU development, laying the groundwork for a robust ecosystem that can support innovation and job creation. As the country prepares to roll out advanced computing facilities and develop its own AI foundational model, the future looks promising for India’s technological ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Government of India’s timeline for creating its own GPUs?
The Indian government aims to develop its own high-end computing GPU technology within the next 3-5 years.
2. How many GPU-based compute facilities will be available initially?
The government plans to offer access to 18,000 GPU-based compute facilities, with around 10,000 of them ready for use shortly.
3. What impact has AI had on Indian Railways?
Indian Railways has reportedly improved its confirmed ticket booking rates by 27% through the application of AI models.
4. How is the Make in India program contributing to job creation?
The Make in India initiative has created approximately 1.2 million direct and indirect jobs in the mobile manufacturing sector.
5. What type of products is India currently manufacturing for the mobile phone industry?
India manufactures a range of mobile phone components, including chargers, battery packs, USB cables, keypads, display assemblies, and more.
