India has shortlisted 20 home-grown artificial intelligence (AI) model proposals for government support under the IndiaAI Mission, marking one of the country’s biggest efforts yet to build sovereign AI capabilities.
The proposals include 12 Large Language Models (LLMs) & eight Small Language Models (SLMs). The government is preparing to accelerate its strategy to reduce dependence on foreign AI platforms & encourage locally developed alternatives”, said Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Electronics and IT Minister.
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20 AI Model Proposals Selected Under IndiaAI Mission
According to the minister, the selected proposals will receive support under the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to build AI systems designed for India’s languages, industries and public services.
The initiative is intended to create economic opportunities while ensuring the country develops AI technologies suited to local needs.
The shortlisted projects comprise 12 LLMs, capable of handling broad language-based tasks, and eight SLMs that are designed for specific use cases requiring lower computing power. The move is expected to encourage Indian startups and research organisations to build AI products that can compete globally while serving domestic requirements.
Wider Efforts to Scale India’s AI Ecosystem
The latest announcement builds on the government’s broader IndiaAI Mission, approved with an outlay of ₹10,371.92 crore to strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem. The programme focuses on expanding computing infrastructure, developing indigenous AI models, improving access to quality datasets, supporting startups and promoting responsible AI development.
The government has also been expanding access to AI computing resources and backing startups developing foundational AI technologies. Officials have previously said the mission has already supported the creation of 20 foundational AI models, with five released so far.
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India Eyes a Larger Role in the Global AI Race
The government has positioned indigenous AI as a strategic priority. Locally developed models can support better governance, education, healthcare and businesses while improving data security & language support.
The latest backing for 20 AI model proposals reflects India’s ambition to become a significant developer of AI technologies rather than relying solely on overseas platforms.
As competition around generative AI continues to intensify, the IndiaAI Mission is expected to play a central role in shaping the country’s long-term AI ecosystem.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
