India’s Rise as a Major Player in Artificial Intelligence

India’s emergence as a potential AI powerhouse does not necessarily rely on developing its own large foundational models, but rather on becoming one of the most significant consumers of artificial intelligence technology, according to Red Hat’s regional head.

Expert Insights on India’s AI Potential

Navtez Bal, the vice president and general manager for India and South Asia at Red Hat, an enterprise open-source software firm, stated that the country’s real strength lies in its proficiency in adapting and utilising available technologies, rather than developing them from the ground up.

India’s Role as a Major User of AI

Bal expressed confidence that India would rank among the world’s largest consumers of AI technology. He shared insights during an interview with Startup Superb.

He pointed out that India’s perceived technological lag could actually facilitate a quicker adoption process.

Bal said that India would excel at taking existing large language models and fine-tuning them for local needs, creating tailored solutions that better serve specific requirements.

Effectiveness Over Power

In the long term, Bal proposed that success in artificial intelligence will not be solely defined by the creation of the most sophisticated systems.

Instead, it will hinge on the effective utilisation of models, marking the real area of differentiation.

Sovereign AI: Control Over Technology

As government and industry leaders advocate for sovereign AI, encompassing domestic models, data, and infrastructure, Bal highlighted that control and ownership are more crucial than mere technological nationalism.

For organisations aiming for sovereignty in AI, reliance on a single vendor or proprietary platforms could become a considerable strategic risk.

Bal mentioned that a true sovereign AI-oriented company would require solutions that are non-proprietary and entirely within their control, ensuring data, authority, and source code remain within India.

Red Hat’s Position in the AI Landscape

Red Hat, leveraging open-source technologies like Linux and the OpenShift platform, aims to provide a viable alternative to proprietary AI ecosystems dominated by global tech giants.

The company supports some of the largest corporations across various sectors, including healthcare, automotive, finance, and technology. Its global clientele includes major names like Salesforce, Toyota, and Ford. In India, Red Hat has established a significant presence serving clients such as UIDAI, Life Insurance, EPFO, State Bank of India, Jio Platforms, Bharti Airtel, and Tata Motors.

The New Workforce Triangle

Bal also identified a transformative shift in workplace organisation in the AI era, which he described as a three-way interaction involving humans, software agents, and robots.

He stressed the need for every process to be reconsidered within this new framework, referring to it as the “new workforce triangle.”

He encouraged organisations and employees to expedite their adaptation to these changes.

Those who move quickly in this regard will likely enjoy a significant competitive advantage in the future, prompting a call to action for rapid transformation efforts.