What happened?
The Government of India announced new initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission to promote AI skilling, innovation, and digital inclusivity. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) revealed that it received 67 proposals from startups and researchers for building indigenous AI models. As part of the initiative, the IndiaAI Innovation Centre launched a call for proposals in January 2025, focusing on Large Language Models (LLMs), Large Multimodal Models (LMMs), and domain-specific AI applications. The government also announced plans to establish Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to promote regional AI education and innovation.
Why it matters to India
The expansion of the IndiaAI Mission strengthens India’s position as a global AI hub, driving technological advancement and digital transformation. By fostering indigenous AI capabilities, India reduces its dependency on foreign technology and enhances its digital sovereignty. The initiative also creates new skilling and employment opportunities, boosting innovation and productivity across sectors, including healthcare, education, and financial services.