India aims to build its own ChatGPT-like AI models within 10 months

India plans to develop its own ChatGPT-like AI models tailored for its population within 10 months, as announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at an Indian AI Mission event in New Delhi.

Project Overview: The Indian government is establishing a comprehensive artificial intelligence ecosystem that aims to create foundational AI models specifically designed for Indian users and their unique linguistic and cultural needs.

• Researchers have been developing the framework for this AI ecosystem over the past 18 months
• The project focuses on eliminating biases and promoting inclusivity in AI systems
• Multiple foundational models are expected to be completed within 8-10 months using efficient algorithms

Technical Infrastructure: India’s AI initiative will utilize significant computational resources to power its foundational models, positioning itself competitively against existing AI systems.

• The project will employ approximately 18,693 GPUs, with 10,000 already deployed
• For comparison, DeepSeek uses around 2,000 GPUs, while ChatGPT utilizes approximately 25,000 GPUs
• The remaining 8,693 GPUs are scheduled for deployment in the near future

Cost Structure: The government is implementing measures to make AI technology more accessible and affordable for Indian users.

• Global AI models typically cost between $2.50 to $3.00 per hour of usage
• India’s AI model will cost approximately Rs 100 per hour after a 40% government subsidy
• Additional half-yearly and annual plans will be available to further reduce costs

Safety and Research Initiative: The establishment of the IndiaAI Safety Institute demonstrates India’s commitment to responsible AI development.

• The institute will collaborate with academia, startups, industry partners, and government bodies
• Focus areas include ensuring AI safety, security, and building trust in AI systems
• Research and development will be based on Indian datasets that reflect the country’s diverse social, economic, cultural, and linguistic landscape

Looking Ahead: While India’s ambitious timeline for developing competitive AI models may seem aggressive, the government’s substantial investment in infrastructure and focus on local context could potentially create AI solutions that better serve its population’s unique needs.