Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Electronics & IT, and Jal Shakti, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, participated in a fireside chat organized by MoneyControl in Bengaluru. During the event, he discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on India, emphasizing its role in propelling the country’s digital economy and fostering growth in various sectors.
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted AI’s positive influence on healthcare, agriculture, and governance, suggesting that it could be a significant enabler for India’s already burgeoning digital economy. He expressed the view that AI could provide opportunities for startups, contributing to India’s overall development.
The minister outlined the government’s approach to building an AI ecosystem, mentioning the deployment of financial resources for foundational models, Large Language Models (LLMs), and various use cases. Similar to the semiconductor model, the government plans to fund startups and focus on creating an academic, industry, and startup research ecosystem, referred to as the Innovation and Research Center.
Addressing the challenge of the chip shortage, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar noted that it is expected to resolve relatively quickly. He emphasized the importance of nurturing AI talent in India, anticipating the growth of the AI ecosystem in the future.
Regarding the chip shortage, he stated, “The chip shortage is a problem that will go away the fastest. There are challenges like talent; this is an ecosystem that will need top-notch talent. We need postdocs, PhDs, and master’s graduates to emerge.”
The minister stressed the need for India to focus on creating a global framework for AI, addressing issues related to the ubiquitous nature of the internet, deepfakes, misinformation, and disinformation. He advocated for principles that could be adopted globally, given the extra-jurisdictional nature of cybercrime and harms.
Reflecting on the recently concluded Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) meeting in New Delhi, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the importance of establishing principles and frameworks for inclusive AI development. He emphasized the urgency of creating a global framework, anticipating the rapid evolution of AI in the coming months.
The minister paid his respects at the National War Memorial in Bengaluru, participating in an annual tradition to honor India’s bravehearts who served and sacrificed. Later, he took part in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, an outreach program aimed at raising awareness about various welfare schemes and encouraging citizen participation.
In summary, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s insights during the fireside chat underscored the potential of AI to drive India’s digital economy and contribute to the nation’s overall development. The minister highlighted the government’s proactive approach to address challenges and create a conducive ecosystem for AI innovation and talent development.
