India is reportedly trailing behind in the race to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements, with a delay of 5 to 7 years compared to global leaders.
This gap, exacerbated by the rapid technological growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, was highlighted by AI expert Jayaprakash Gandhi in a recent interview. In an interview with Rediff, he pointed out that despite India's significant efforts to promote digitalization, the country’s slower adoption of AI technologies has left it at a disadvantage.
The pandemic forced many countries to accelerate their digital transformations, and India was no exception. With the widespread use of contactless technologies and the integration of AI and analytics into businesses, the country saw improvements in productivity, efficiency, and governance. Digital platforms enhanced transparency and citizen engagement, providing a much-needed boost to India's digital infrastructure.
However, Gandhi expressed concern that these advancements did not close the gap with other global powers. He emphasised that India's slow pace in adopting AI technologies hinders its competitiveness on the world stage. Moreover, the country's dependence on foreign AI solutions raises concerns about national security. A shortage of a skilled workforce further complicates efforts to boost AI development, as there are not enough trained professionals to meet the growing demand for AI expertise.
The Indian government has launched various initiatives to promote innovation and strengthen the country’s digital and AI capabilities. Programs like Digital India, Make in India, and Startup India aim to encourage homegrown technology solutions and reduce reliance on imports. Additionally, the government plans to establish AI research centres and develop specialised training programs to cultivate the next generation of AI experts.
Despite these efforts, experts believe that India must take more decisive action. Gandhi stressed the need for more significant government, industry, and academia collaboration to drive AI research and development forward. India risks falling further behind in a rapidly evolving global landscape without such partnerships.
India's AI market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, reaching an estimated $7.8 billion by 2025. The government has already begun leveraging AI-based initiatives in key sectors such as healthcare and education, signalling its recognition of AI’s importance. However, whether India can bridge the technological gap remains to be seen. The race is on, and the next few years will be crucial in determining India’s position in the AI-driven future.