India’s AI Leap: Promise and Pitfalls
Imagine a small, ambitious startup trying to win a marathon against global giants like Amazon or Microsoft. That’s what Sarvam, a Bengaluru-based company, is about to attempt. Recently chosen under India’s ₹10,370-crore IndiaAI Mission, Sarvam has been tasked with developing the country’s first indigenous large language model (LLM). This is a historic moment, much like when India launched its first satellite — a mix of hope, pride, and daunting challenges. So, what’s happening here? The Indian government’s quick selection of Sarvam, out of 67 applicants within just two to three months, shows urgency and ambition. It reflects what economists call first-mover advantage — the idea that acting quickly in a new industry can give you a lasting lead over others. By investing in GPUs, AI safety institutions, and practical AI applications in agriculture and education, India is trying to build something much bigger: technological sovereignty. This means relying less on foreign tech and creati...