Parley by The Hindu Should India build a sovereign, foundational AI model?
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Feb 6, 2025 Pranesh Prakash, a legal and tech policy expert, and Tanuj Bhojwani, former head of People + AI, dive into India's quest for a foundational AI model. They discuss the implications of sovereignty versus financial constraints, questioning whether building local capabilities is necessary. The guests highlight the importance of open-source solutions tailored to local needs, the challenges in AI research and education, and government initiatives to boost AI development. Their insights paint a complex picture of India's AI future, balancing innovation with strategic resource allocation.
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Focus on Knowledge, Not Sovereignty
- India should focus on building foundational AI models, not for sovereignty, but for knowledge development.
- Building expertise in every part of AI, from model creation to application, is crucial.
Pride and Ambition, Not Sovereignty
- Sovereignty is not the primary driver for India's pursuit of a foundational model; national pride and ambition play a role.
- The real question is how to foster an environment where such a model can emerge organically.
Focus on the Entire AI Pipeline
- Focus on training, education, and the entire AI pipeline, not just foundation models.
- India needs more expertise in turning AI models into practical commercial applications.