Vantage | Why world thinks Indian talent will build the future of AI

In a significant development away from budget discussions, India is poised to become a prominent hub for artificial intelligence (AI) developers. Leading tech giants, Microsoft and Google, are set to embark on AI tours in India, emphasizing the nation’s potential to shape the future of AI.

Microsoft’s Satya Nadella in Bengaluru and Mumbai Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is scheduled to visit Bengaluru and Mumbai on the 7th and 8th of this month. During his visit, Nadella will deliver talks on “Opportunities with AI” and engage with tech industry leaders in both cities. This visit underscores Microsoft’s recognition of India’s pivotal role in the AI revolution. Google’s Jeff Dean in Bengaluru Simultaneously, Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean is also set to visit Bengaluru. Dean will address AI’s next frontier and interact with developers and start-ups underscoring Google’s keen interest in India’s AI potential. The choice of India as a focal point for these high-profile visits is not coincidental. Silicon Valley is increasingly banking on India to fuel the growth of AI. Over the years, Indian computer engineers and data scientists have gained global acclaim for their expertise. Microsoft and Google, two tech giants at the forefront of AI development, are both led by Indian-origin engineers turned CEOs – Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai, respectively. Their ascent to the top positions signifies not only individual success but also a broader acknowledgment of India’s tech prowess. India’s rich pool of AI talent India is already home to 5 million programmers, with approximately half a million specializing in AI and data sciences, according to NASSCOM, India’s technology industry trade body. Silicon Valley recognises India’s potential, with Microsoft’s Puneet Chandok noting, “Every sixth AI researcher, AI builder, AI developer is coming from India.” Ahmed Mazhari, president of Microsoft Asia, pointed out that one in four AI projects on GitHub, a Microsoft-owned platform for developers, originates from India. This statistic underscores India’s position as a crucial source of AI talent and innovation. Mazhari predicts that by 2026, India will surpass the US in AI development. He said, “India is very uniquely positioned to enable the adoption of AI at scale at home and in international markets.” Indian developers are expected to lead the AI race globally. Microsoft’s and Google’s visits are just the beginning. Microsoft has announced a training programme to transform 100,000 Indian developers into AI specialists. Indian firms like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services have also initiated AI training to equip their workforce with AI skills. India’s role in global growth India’s influence extends beyond borders contributing approximately 16 per cent of the incremental global GDP, according to Microsoft’s Puneet Chandok. This presents an opportunity for India to lead not only in AI but also in driving global economic growth. Recognising the potential of AI, the Indian government, in the recent budget announcement, revealed a $12 billion corpus aimed at incentivizing long-term tech growth. This initiative aims to provide youth with long-term, low-interest financing including up to 50-year interest-free loans. As India emerges as a hub for AI development, the tech industry’s confidence in the country’s potential is palpable. With Microsoft and Google actively investing in AI talent, coupled with government initiatives and the expertise of Indian developers, the future of AI appears to be distinctly Indian. As the world turns its attention to India, the nation is positioned to shape the trajectory of AI for years to come. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.