Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education and development in the Global South, with India emerging as a key player in this technological leap. With a population of 1.4 billion and 22 officially recognized languages, India’s diversity creates both challenges and opportunities for AI systems that address its unique social and developmental needs. The Indian government and private sector are working rapidly to develop AI systems tailored for India, especially in rural areas.
Government AI Initiatives
India’s government has taken a comprehensive approach to build an AI ecosystem, linking higher education, research, and industry. The National AI Skilling Framework recommends integrating AI into school curricula starting from 6th grade, aiming to produce over 1 million new data science professionals annually. Programs such as Future Skills Prime, NPTEL, and CDAC are rolling out AI courses for both schools and adult learners.
India’s National Strategy for AI, developed by NITI Aayog in 2018, identifies five priority sectors for AI development: healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and infrastructure. This strategy, while focusing on AI’s potential to advance social good, promotes ethical and responsible AI use, contrasting with Europe’s more regulated AI sector.
AI-Driven Startups and EdTech
India’s vibrant EdTech and startup scene is benefiting from the country’s strong foundations in IT and hardware development. Companies like Reliance Industries have invested heavily in AI, establishing the Jio Institute for AI education and a data center to foster local AI model development. Startups such as Yotta, Sarvam AI, and Karya are contributing to AI infrastructure, developing multilingual AI models and creating rural employment opportunities through data collection for AI systems.
AI-Focused Universities
India’s rapid expansion of higher education has led to the creation of AI-focused universities, which are at the forefront of AI research and application. Notable institutions include the Universal AI University (founded in 2023), Mahindra University, and the AI4Bharat lab at IIT Chennai, which is pioneering language models for India’s diverse linguistic landscape. These universities are incorporating AI into their curricula and building strong ties with industry to ensure students are equipped with real-world AI skills.
The Jio Institute, established by Reliance Industries in 2022, is a standout example of a forward-thinking AI institution. Its programs are designed to be industry-relevant and adaptable to the rapidly evolving AI landscape, providing a unique blend of academic rigor and practical application. The institute draws global faculty from both the corporate and academic sectors, offering students a holistic learning experience.
AI in Health, Agriculture, and Education
AI’s potential in India extends beyond education to crucial sectors like healthcare and agriculture. AI-driven tools are enabling early diagnosis of diseases like retinopathy, which affects millions of people with diabetes. In agriculture, AI initiatives funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have helped Telangana farmers increase their crop yields by 21% while reducing resource usage. Similarly, AI-based tools are enhancing teachers’ digital skills and providing personalized tutoring to students in remote areas.
Global Implications
India’s AI initiatives hold immense potential not only for the country but also for the Global South. As AI solutions for health, agriculture, and education are fine-tuned to the needs of developing countries, India is paving the way for other nations to adopt similar strategies, potentially improving the lives of billions of people across the globe. As Shailesh Kumar, Dean of Jio’s AI program, suggests, “while AI will do a lot for India, India will do a lot more for AI in the next decade.”
