India Emerges as Global Epicenter of AI Innovation and Governance: Report

India Positioned as Global Epicenter of AI Growth and Governance: Report​

New Delhi, February 17: India’s vast domestic market, indigenous artificial intelligence models such as BharatGen and Sarvam 1, robust digital public infrastructure, deep technology talent pool, and the IndiaAI Mission are collectively positioning the country as the epicenter of AI’s next chapter, according to a report released on Tuesday.

The report stated that India’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have transformed it into a powerhouse of innovation and a strong voice for equitable global AI governance.

AI Market Growth and Global Competitiveness​

India’s AI market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 25 to 35 percent through 2027. The country ranks among the top globally in AI funding and competitiveness, reflecting its expanding role in the global technology landscape.

The report highlighted that India leads globally in AI talent acquisition, with an annual hiring rate of around 33 percent. AI skill penetration in relevant roles is estimated to be 2.5 times the global average, underlining the strength of the country’s skilled workforce.

It noted that India is more than a suitable host for global AI discussions, calling it the most fitting venue due to its rapid advancements in AI infrastructure and capabilities.

IndiaAI Mission Expands Computing Access​

A key driver of this momentum is the IndiaAI Mission, launched in 2024 with an allocation of ₹10,300 crore. The mission has deployed 38,000 GPUs, exceeding initial targets, to provide subsidized and world class computing access to startups, researchers, and students.

Access to this infrastructure is available at rates as low as ₹67 per hour, enabling broader participation in AI research and development across the country.

Sovereign and Multilingual AI Push​

The report emphasized the importance of indigenous AI models in strengthening technological sovereignty. BharatGen is described as the world’s first government funded multimodal large language model, while Sarvam 1 has been optimized for 10 major Indian languages.

These initiatives reflect a focused push towards building sovereign, multilingual AI systems tailored to India’s linguistic diversity.

India’s digital public infrastructure was also highlighted as proof that scalable systems can outperform traditional models. Platforms such as BHASHINI, which supports over 35 languages, demonstrate the potential of multilingual AI applications in public services and governance.

According to the report, this digital foundation makes India an ideal testing ground for real world AI applications, including solutions aimed at overcoming language barriers and improving public service delivery.

India AI Impact Summit 2026 Strengthens Global Role​

The report observed that earlier AI summits held in the United Kingdom, Seoul, and France may have overlooked priorities of developing nations, including equitable access, inclusive growth, and the role of AI in addressing poverty, climate challenges, and public health.

As the world’s largest democracy and a rising economic force, India brings the perspective of the Global South to global AI discussions under the motto of AI for All.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, which is bringing together global leaders such as Emmanuel Macron and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with technology executives including Sundar Pichai of Google and Sam Altman of OpenAI, places India at the center of a pivotal global conversation on artificial intelligence.

The report concluded that India’s expanding AI infrastructure, policy support, indigenous innovation, and talent strength position it at the forefront of the next phase of global AI development.