Amitabh Kant: India’s Rise as Top AI Power Driven by Talent and Data

Former G20 Sherpa and ex-NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant declared at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 that India is poised to become one of the world’s leading AI powers, propelled by its vast talent pool and abundant data resources, while prioritizing equitable growth for all citizens. Kant aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, stating India possesses the essential ingredients, talent, and data to dominate AI, ensuring accessibility so that growth benefits everyone equally. He highlighted the nation’s booming AI market, the IT sector’s pivotal role, and achievements in open APIs alongside globally interoperable digital systems, positioning India as a Global South leader at this landmark summit.
Echoing PM Modi’s ANI interview, Kant noted AI could expand India’s $400 billion IT industry by 2030 via outsourcing and automation, supported by over $200 billion in investments, including $90 billion already committed. The focus remains on AI’s transformative potential across sectors without exacerbating inequalities.
Kant stressed three pillars: accessibility, affordability, and accountability to empower the underprivileged and Global South, enhancing outcomes in education and nutrition, while cautioning against foreign models exploiting Indian data, like supplying 33% more to ChatGPT than the US. Initiatives include developing 10 indigenous LLMs, open datasets through AI coaches, and subsidized computing for startups and researchers. This blueprint enables India to leapfrog development stages toward Viksit Bharat, fostering inclusive innovation that harnesses AI for national progress.