India Leading in AI Adoption, Shaping Global Governance: Nirmala Sitharaman

Kottayam: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday emphasized India's leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and its growing influence in shaping global AI governance.

Speaking at the 6th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Kottayam, Sitharaman stated that India is not just prepared for AI but is witnessing high demand for AI-driven solutions across various sectors.

She cited data highlighting India's dominance in AI-related app downloads, reporting that in 2024, India recorded 3 billion AI-related downloads, surpassing the United States (1.5 billion) and China (1.3 billion).

“India is not just experimenting with AI. We are not just talking about it or researching it. We are actually implementing it at scale and across various sectors,” she said.

Sitharaman further noted that India’s recognition as co-chair at the recent AI Action Summit in Paris underscores the country’s rising global influence in the AI sector.

Ethical AI and Global Responsibility

At the Paris summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of responsible AI development.

"What he [PM Modi] said gives us a very big message—use AI, but use it responsibly. Do not misuse it, do not use it unethically. So, it is very important for us to have AI that is ethical, inclusive, and trustworthy," Sitharaman stated.

She emphasized that AI should align with ethical principles, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and accountability while avoiding misuse in sensitive domains.

India’s AI Mission and Government Initiatives

The Finance Minister also outlined the Indian government’s proactive steps in building AI infrastructure and innovation.

Key initiatives under the India AI Mission include:

• A budget outlay of ₹10,300 crore to enhance computing power, develop indigenous AI technologies, and support startups.
• Programs aimed at attracting global AI talent and fostering research-driven innovations.
• Large-scale AI implementation across healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance.

Acknowledging India’s advancements in AI, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also recognized India’s progress in AI development and deployment, Sitharaman noted.

India’s Progress in Innovation and Patents

Sitharaman highlighted India's significant improvements in global innovation rankings and patent filings, marking the country’s emergence as a leader in research and development.

• India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index improved to 39th out of 133 countries in 2024, compared to 81st in 2015.
• The patents-to-GDP ratio surged to 381 in 2023, up from 144 in 2013, indicating a strong correlation between economic growth and technological advancements.
• India now holds the 7th position in intangible asset intensity, surpassing several high-income economies and matching the intangible investment intensity of Germany and Japan.

“These achievements indicate that India is moving in the right direction, but we must continue to improve our performance to achieve greater innovation and self-reliance,” Sitharaman added.

Encouraging Responsible Academic Culture

In her address to the graduating students, Sitharaman also touched on the importance of maintaining a healthy and ethical academic environment.

Referring to a recent ragging incident at a nursing college in Kerala, she urged IIIT Kottayam students to uphold values of discipline and respect in their institution.

"As we celebrate innovation and academic excellence, we must also ensure that such incidents do not occur in our educational institutions," she stated.

India’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, patenting, and innovation are positioning the country as a global leader in AI governance and technology development. With increasing recognition on international platforms and a strong push for ethical AI, India is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI-driven economies.