The recent GRCCISO Readiness Report highlights India’s readiness in cybersecurity and resilience, positioning it as a major adopter of technology for modernisation
India is swiftly establishing itself as a prominent player on the global artificial intelligence (AI) stage, spurred by collaborations between industry leaders like Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, and Jensen Huang, founder of NVIDIA. This partnership aims to transform AI accessibility and infrastructure across India, underscoring the nation’s growing role in global technology.
The recent GRCCISO Readiness Report highlights India’s readiness in cybersecurity and resilience, positioning it as a major adopter of technology for modernisation. Additionally, the 2024 Kyndryl Readiness Report reveals that an impressive 96 percent of Indian business leaders regard technology as essential for their organisation’s future. However, while around 40 percent feel prepared to tackle challenges related to talent shortages, the need for comprehensive employee training remains an area for improvement.
Nvidia-Reliance To Build AI Foundations
At the recent Nvidia AI Summit in Mumbai, Jensen Huang emphasised India’s unique potential to lead in AI. He described AI as a fundamental part of India’s digital transformation, capable of driving innovation across industries such as energy, manufacturing, and public services. “One of the great advantages India has is its very large population of users. You have the fundamental ingredients: AI, data, AI infrastructure, and users,” Huang remarked. He announced plans for Nvidia to partner with Reliance to build extensive AI infrastructure suited to India’s size and diversity, moving towards developing indigenous AI capabilities.
Mukesh Ambani echoed this vision, citing India’s extensive digital connectivity as a key foundation for AI deployment. “India has the best digital connectivity infrastructure—4G, 5G, and broadband—in the world,” he noted, highlighting how Jio had transformed data accessibility across the nation. Ambani envisions a similar transformation for AI, aiming to make it affordable and accessible for everyday Indians. “For India and Indians, we need to repeat Jio for intelligence to make it really affordable and available to the common people,” he emphasised, noting the importance of collaboration across the industry.
Bridging Skills Gap For AI Readiness
The AI boom in India isn’t only resonating within the business sector but is also energising the country’s youth. Dr. Bhooshan Kelkar, an AI expert, recently spoke at a Toastmasters event on the crucial role of communication skills in the AI era. Addressing a young audience, Kelkar emphasised that equipping future professionals with the right skills is essential for India’s sustainable growth in AI.
To help bridge the skills gap, Nvidia, in collaboration with major Indian IT firms such as Infosys and Wipro, aims to upskill around half a million developers, a step towards creating an AI-ready workforce. This focus on training and development not only enhances workforce readiness but also strengthens India’s position as an emerging hub for AI expertise.
Expanding AI Capabilities Through Infrastructure
The Reliance-Nvidia partnership plans to establish data centres equipped with Nvidia’s advanced Blackwell AI processors, forming a core part of India’s AI infrastructure. These data centres are expected to support automation across various sectors, improving industrial processes and operational efficiency. This infrastructure initiative is intended to create a robust AI ecosystem tailored to India’s needs, providing a strong foundation for future innovation.
Stephen Elliott, Group Vice President at IDC, emphasised the interdependence of AI and observability, with networks providing essential insights for security operations and threat response. “Today’s CISOs recognise that security and observability are intrinsically connected,” he remarked, noting that understanding data movement is crucial for effective security in interconnected networks.
Charting Path To AI Leadership
India’s journey towards becoming an AI powerhouse is characterised by an inclusive approach that combines infrastructure development, skill-building, and collaborative partnerships with global tech giants. As India deepens its expertise in AI, it aims not just to participate in the global AI ecosystem but to lead it. With the backing of the government, industry giants, and emerging tech talent, India is poised to play a significant role in the global AI revolution, working to make technology-driven progress accessible for all.
Through these combined efforts, India’s AI future shines bright, not merely as a participant but as a potential frontrunner, shaping AI’s role across the Global South and creating new opportunities for innovation on a more equal global stage.
