When billionaire entrepreneur Romesh Wadhwani recently remarked that India can lead the global AI revolution if it acts ten or even a hundred times faster than bureaucratic norms, the statement struck a chord across the business world. His words were not mere optimism—they were a challenge. India stands at a pivotal moment where artificial intelligence (AI) can redefine its economy, industries, and global standing. But can the world’s most populous democracy truly become an AI powerhouse?
- India’s AI Opportunity: A Once-in-a-Generation Inflection Point
- Why Romesh Wadhwani’s Warning Matters
- AI as the New Economic Engine
- Building India’s AI Infrastructure
- The Role of Startups and Industry Collaboration
- Government’s Role: From Regulator to Enabler
- Can India Truly Lead the Global AI Revolution?
India’s AI Opportunity: A Once-in-a-Generation Inflection Point
India’s digital ecosystem is unmatched in scale and diversity. With over 850 million internet users, a thriving start-up base, and world-class IT talent, the foundation is strong. According to NASSCOM, the Indian AI market is projected to reach $17 billion by 2027, growing at nearly 20% annually.
However, the global AI race is accelerating rapidly. The United States, China, and the European Union have already poured billions into AI infrastructure, ethics frameworks, and research hubs. For India, the window of opportunity is open—but narrowing fast.
Why Romesh Wadhwani’s Warning Matters
Wadhwani’s assertion—that India must act ten or a hundred times faster—underscores the country’s biggest challenge: execution speed. Bureaucratic delays, fragmented regulations, and limited R&D funding can slow innovation.
His call to action points to three critical levers India must pull:
- Accelerate AI Research and Innovation:
Public and private investments in AI R&D remain limited compared to global peers. India needs dedicated AI supercenters—collaborative hubs where academia, industry, and government co-create solutions. - Reform Bureaucracy and Policy Execution:
India’s AI policy landscape remains in flux. The National Strategy for AI by NITI Aayog provided a strong vision, but implementation has lagged. Simplified approval mechanisms, faster funding disbursals, and agile governance are vital. - Upskill the Workforce for an AI Economy:
India’s workforce advantage can turn into a liability without massive AI skill-building initiatives. According to Microsoft and LinkedIn’s 2025 Future Skills Report, over 70% of Indian professionals feel underprepared for AI transformation.
AI as the New Economic Engine
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a technology—it’s becoming the core driver of productivity and GDP growth. McKinsey estimates that AI could add up to $500 billion to India’s economy by 2030, primarily through automation, predictive analytics, and AI-enhanced manufacturing. This isn’t hypothetical—it’s already happening. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro have launched AI platforms that integrate machine learning with enterprise data. Meanwhile, AI startups like Yellow.ai, Mad Street Den, and Qure.ai are attracting global attention.
Building India’s AI Infrastructure
A robust AI ecosystem requires more than ambition—it needs infrastructure. This includes high-performance computing, access to large datasets, and secure data-sharing frameworks.
- Digital India Stack: India’s digital public infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker) gives it a global edge. Integrating AI into this stack could revolutionize governance and service delivery.
- Data Governance & Ethics: Ethical AI is emerging as a key differentiator. India must establish clear frameworks around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and responsible AI usage.
- AI Cloud & Compute Infrastructure: Initiatives like India’s proposed “AI Compute Grid” can democratize access to high-performance computing for startups and universities.
The Role of Startups and Industry Collaboration
Startups are the heartbeat of India’s AI revolution. According to NASSCOM, India is home to over 4,000 AI-focused startups, many working on generative AI, healthcare tech, and agritech innovations.
However, they need stronger partnerships with corporates and policymakers. A unified AI Innovation Network—where large enterprises provide resources and mentorship—could accelerate growth exponentially.
Collaboration is also crucial for AI safety and ethics. As AI systems gain autonomy, ensuring accountability and fairness becomes imperative. India can lead by setting ethical AI benchmarks for the Global South.
Government’s Role: From Regulator to Enabler
The Indian government’s role is shifting from a regulator to an enabler. Initiatives like Digital India, IndiaAI Mission, and Make in India already lay the groundwork. However, experts stress that more proactive measures are needed:
- Fast-track AI policy rollouts with measurable KPIs.
- Establish a National AI Fund for research and innovation.
- Create AI testing sandboxes to encourage experimentation.
- Integrate AI education into every level of the curriculum.
Can India Truly Lead the Global AI Revolution?
India’s greatest strength lies in its human capital—young, skilled, and ambitious. With the right policy mix, investment, and execution speed, the country can position itself as an AI superpower.
Romesh Wadhwani’s message is clear: The time for slow, incremental change is over. India must act with urgency, innovation, and collaboration to shape its AI destiny.
India’s AI ambitions are bold, but achievable. If government, industry, and academia work in sync, India could transform from an AI consumer into a global AI creator—powering the next wave of digital transformation across the world.
