India To Procure Over 10,000 High-Performance GPUs Under AI Mission, Says IT Minister Vaishnaw

The Centre is set to introduce the Rs 10,000 crore India AI Mission within the next two to three months to support the domestic industry's artificial intelligence (AI) systems, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday.

“We will procure 10,000 or more graphics processing units (GPUs) under a public-private partnership so that the efficiencies of the industry can be harnessed for a bigger cause. We will also have an AI innovation centre, high quality data sets which can add more value to the efforts of startups, and an application development initiative where apps relevant to our socio-economic problems can be developed. We will have a huge focus on skill development,” Vaishnaw said at the inaugural session of the Global IndiaAI Summit 2024, Indian Express reported.

A high-performance GPU is crucial for AI system as it handles complex deep learning models and large datasets, delivering exceptional performance for training and inference workloads.

The IndiaAI Mission was approved by the previous Union Cabinet earlier this year, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

While still in its blueprint phase, the approval could encourage investments in this sector, with private companies setting up data centres in the country, and allowing startups access so that they can test and develop their generative AI models.

Vaishnaw said there is a general understanding that modern technology is becoming expensive and “in many geographies, it gets limited in the hands of the few — big tech, government controlled”.

He emphasised that technology should be accessible to everyone, citing India’s work in digital public infrastructure as an example.

Vaishnaw also addressed global efforts to mitigate issues posed by AI systems, referencing the AI Act in the European Union and an executive order in the United States, calling these measures “very relevant.”

“These are very relevant for all of us. We are all facing the same challenges, the global south is looking at universal support, thought process…” Vaishnaw said.

Reflecting on AI's significant developments over the past year, Vaishnaw acknowledged its growing impact on businesses and societies, as well as the associated risks.

He noted the threats of misinformation and disinformation, exacerbated by AI, witnessed during the recent Lok Sabha elections.

“In the recent Lok Sabha elections we saw the threat of misinformation,  disinformation which was multiplied with the power of AI. The entire world has experienced this and is feeling the same threats,” Vaishnaw said.

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