NEW DELHI: AAP MP Raghav Chadha raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over India’s lagging position in the global AI race, urging the government to ramp up investments and policy support to avoid dependence on foreign technology. While India contributes 15% of the world’s AI workforce, it holds just 0.5% of global AI patents, far behind the US (60%) and China (20%).
Chadha highlighted India’s strong digital economy and skilled talent pool but pointed out that the country remains a consumer rather than a producer of AI. He called for indigenous AI chips, higher R&D spending, and incentives to retain talent, noting that the US and China invest $500 billion and $137 billion, respectively, while India’s AI budget is just $1 billion.
Experts acknowledge India’s potential but stress the need for faster execution of the National AI Strategy, including better funding and infrastructure. With AI shaping future economies, the debate centers on whether India can leverage its strengths or risk falling further behind global leaders.
“We cannot depend on foreign AI models—India must build its own,” Chadha said, urging immediate action.
