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20 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
EconomyScience & TechnologyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Jeet Adani Calls for Robust AI Infrastructure in India

Jeet Adani stresses India's need for resilient AI infrastructure to prevent fragility.

Jeet Adani Calls for Robust AI Infrastructure in India

Photo by Satyajeet Mazumdar

Jeet Adani emphasized the necessity for India to develop its own robust and critical AI infrastructure to avoid potential vulnerabilities. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, Adani highlighted that relying on external sources for AI infrastructure could expose the nation to risks.

He advocated for building indigenous capabilities in AI to ensure long-term resilience and security. Adani also pointed out that a self-reliant AI infrastructure would foster innovation and economic growth within the country, reducing dependence on foreign technologies and promoting data sovereignty.

Key Facts

1.

Jeet Adani spoke at the India AI Impact Summit.

2.

Adani advocated for building indigenous capabilities in AI.

3.

A self-reliant AI infrastructure would foster innovation.

4.

A self-reliant AI infrastructure would foster economic growth.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Economy - Infrastructure Development

2.

GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions

3.

Ethical considerations in AI development and deployment

In Simple Words

Jeet Adani said India needs its own AI stuff. If we depend on other countries for AI, we might face problems. It's like making our own tools instead of borrowing them.

India Angle

If India builds its own AI, it can create more jobs and opportunities for Indians. This can help farmers, students, and businesses use AI to improve their lives and work.

For Instance

Think of it like buying local produce versus importing it. Buying local supports Indian farmers and ensures a fresh supply. Similarly, building our own AI supports Indian innovation.

Having our own AI infrastructure means India can control its own future and not be dependent on other countries. This can lead to better services and opportunities for everyone.

India needs to build its own AI to be independent and innovative.

Visual Insights

Key Focus Areas for AI Infrastructure Development

Highlights the importance of developing indigenous AI capabilities to ensure long-term resilience and security, as emphasized by Jeet Adani.

Need for Indigenous AI Infrastructure
Critical

Reduces reliance on external sources and potential vulnerabilities.

Focus on Self-Reliance
High Priority

Fosters innovation and economic growth within the country.

Importance of Data Sovereignty
Essential

Promotes data sovereignty and reduces dependence on foreign technologies.

More Information

Background

The development of robust AI infrastructure is crucial for India's economic and strategic interests. Historically, nations have sought technological independence to ensure security and foster innovation. Dependence on foreign technology can create vulnerabilities, especially in critical sectors. Building indigenous capabilities in AI aligns with the broader goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance and reducing reliance on external resources. India's push for AI infrastructure also ties into its aspirations for digital sovereignty. Data localization and control over AI technologies are essential for protecting national interests and ensuring data privacy. The government has been actively promoting policies to encourage domestic AI development and deployment. These efforts aim to create a vibrant AI ecosystem within the country, fostering innovation and economic growth. The development of indigenous AI infrastructure is a key step in achieving these goals. Furthermore, the establishment of a strong AI infrastructure can be linked to the broader context of digital India initiative. This initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. A robust AI infrastructure will provide the necessary foundation for various digital services and applications, enhancing efficiency and accessibility across different sectors.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India has witnessed significant developments in the field of artificial intelligence. The government has launched several initiatives to promote AI research, development, and adoption across various sectors. The establishment of the National AI Portal is a key step in providing a centralized platform for AI-related resources and information. This portal aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the AI ecosystem. Furthermore, there has been increased focus on developing ethical frameworks and standards for AI deployment. The government is working on guidelines to ensure responsible and unbiased use of AI technologies. These efforts are crucial for building public trust and mitigating potential risks associated with AI. The emphasis on ethical AI aligns with global trends and reflects India's commitment to responsible innovation. Looking ahead, India aims to become a global hub for AI innovation and development. The government has set ambitious targets for increasing AI's contribution to the economy and creating skilled workforce in AI-related fields. These targets underscore the importance of AI as a key driver of economic growth and social development in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is building indigenous AI infrastructure important for India?

Developing indigenous AI infrastructure is crucial for India to avoid vulnerabilities associated with relying on external sources. It fosters innovation, economic growth, and data sovereignty, while also ensuring long-term resilience and security.

Exam Tip

Remember the terms 'data sovereignty' and 'technological self-reliance' as keywords.

2. What are the potential risks of relying on foreign AI infrastructure?

Relying on external AI infrastructure can expose India to potential vulnerabilities, compromising national security and data sovereignty. It can also hinder innovation and economic growth within the country.

Exam Tip

Consider the geopolitical implications when answering such questions in the Mains exam.

3. How does a self-reliant AI infrastructure contribute to economic growth?

A self-reliant AI infrastructure fosters innovation and economic growth by reducing dependence on foreign technologies and promoting data sovereignty. It allows for the development of customized solutions tailored to India's specific needs and challenges.

Exam Tip

Relate this to the 'Make in India' initiative for a comprehensive answer.

4. What is the significance of the India AI Impact Summit?

The India AI Impact Summit is a platform where discussions and advocacy for the development of AI infrastructure take place. It highlights the importance of AI in various sectors and promotes collaboration among stakeholders.

Exam Tip

Note the summit as a key event related to AI development in India.

5. What is 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and how does it relate to AI infrastructure?

'Atmanirbhar Bharat' is a government initiative promoting self-reliance. Building indigenous AI capabilities aligns with this goal, reducing dependence on foreign technologies and fostering domestic innovation.

Exam Tip

Understand Atmanirbhar Bharat as a broader theme for self-reliance across sectors.

6. What are the key areas where India is focusing on AI development?

India is focusing on AI development across various sectors, promoting research, development, and adoption. The establishment of the National AI Portal is a key step in providing a centralized platform for AI-related resources and information.

Exam Tip

Remember the National AI Portal as a government initiative.

7. What are the pros and cons of prioritizing indigenous AI infrastructure development in India?

Prioritizing indigenous AI infrastructure offers benefits like increased national security, data sovereignty, and economic growth. However, it may also involve higher initial costs and potential delays in accessing cutting-edge technologies.

Exam Tip

Consider both short-term costs and long-term benefits when evaluating this.

8. How can India balance the need for AI infrastructure with data privacy concerns?

India can balance these needs by implementing robust data protection laws and regulations. Ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems is crucial, along with promoting ethical AI development and usage.

Exam Tip

Relate this to the ongoing discussions on data protection bills in India.

9. What are the key facts related to Jeet Adani's statement on AI infrastructure for UPSC Prelims?

Jeet Adani emphasized the necessity for India to develop its own robust AI infrastructure to avoid potential vulnerabilities. He spoke at the India AI Impact Summit and advocated for building indigenous capabilities in AI.

Exam Tip

Focus on the 'why' behind the statement – national security and economic growth.

10. What government initiatives are in place to support AI infrastructure development in India?

The government has launched several initiatives to promote AI research, development, and adoption across various sectors. The establishment of the National AI Portal is a key step in providing a centralized platform for AI-related resources and information.

Exam Tip

Note down key initiatives like the National AI Portal for prelims.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements best describes the primary concern raised by Jeet Adani regarding AI infrastructure in India? A) The high cost of developing indigenous AI infrastructure. B) The potential vulnerabilities arising from reliance on external sources for AI infrastructure. C) The lack of skilled workforce to manage AI infrastructure in India. D) The slow pace of AI innovation in the country.

  • A.The high cost of developing indigenous AI infrastructure.
  • B.The potential vulnerabilities arising from reliance on external sources for AI infrastructure.
  • C.The lack of skilled workforce to manage AI infrastructure in India.
  • D.The slow pace of AI innovation in the country.
Show Answer

Answer: B

Jeet Adani emphasized the necessity for India to develop its own robust and critical AI infrastructure to avoid potential vulnerabilities. He highlighted that relying on external sources for AI infrastructure could expose the nation to risks. While the other options might be valid concerns related to AI development in India, they were not the primary focus of Adani's statement.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative: 1. It aims to promote self-reliance in various sectors, including technology. 2. It focuses solely on reducing imports and increasing exports. 3. It encourages foreign investment while promoting domestic production. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct: 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' aims to promote self-reliance in various sectors, including technology, by encouraging domestic production and reducing dependence on imports. Statement 2 is incorrect: While reducing imports and increasing exports are important aspects, 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' also focuses on improving domestic capabilities and competitiveness. Statement 3 is correct: 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' encourages foreign investment to boost domestic production and technological advancement.

3. In the context of building indigenous AI infrastructure, what does 'data sovereignty' primarily refer to? A) The government's control over all data generated within the country. B) The right of individuals to control their personal data. C) The ability of a nation to control and protect its data and digital infrastructure. D) The free flow of data across international borders.

  • A.The government's control over all data generated within the country.
  • B.The right of individuals to control their personal data.
  • C.The ability of a nation to control and protect its data and digital infrastructure.
  • D.The free flow of data across international borders.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Data sovereignty refers to the ability of a nation to control and protect its data and digital infrastructure. It encompasses the legal and policy frameworks that govern data storage, processing, and transfer within a country's borders. This is crucial for national security, economic competitiveness, and protection of citizens' privacy.

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