Sam Altman’s U-turn on Indian AI; Says ‘India’s AI development is “unbelievable,” needs to be a world chief’ – Firstpost

In a shocking turnaround, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed sturdy assist for India’s rising position in synthetic intelligence, calling the nation’s progress “unbelievable” and urging it to change into a frontrunner within the international AI panorama.

Altman made the remarks throughout a gathering with Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and OpenAI’s Pragya Misra on his most up-to-date go to to India. He highlighted that India has change into OpenAI’s second-largest market after the US, with consumer development tripling up to now yr.

Altman praised the innovation going down in India, mentioning his pleasure concerning the nation’s plans to scale its AI improvement. He said that OpenAI goals to deepen its engagement in India, notably because the nation ramps up efforts to construct its personal foundational AI fashions within the close to future.

Reversing course on earlier criticism

Altman’s present endorsement of India’s AI capabilities marks a notable shift from his earlier stance. In a 2023 interview, he had expressed doubts about India having the ability to develop AI fashions similar to OpenAI’s software program. He had dismissed the thought of competing with US tech giants on basis mannequin coaching, although he had inspired Indian companies to proceed striving whatever the challenges.

Nevertheless, rising competitors from China’s AI startup DeepSeek might have influenced Altman’s revised perspective. DeepSeek has disrupted the worldwide AI sector with its cost-effective, open-source fashions, creating stress on Western firms like OpenAI to regulate their pricing methods.

Beforehand, main gamers like OpenAI, Google, Meta, and Microsoft dominated the AI business, however DeepSeek’s success has demonstrated that different nations can compete with these giants.

India accelerates AI improvement plans

In response to each international and home developments, India has fast-tracked its AI initiatives. Final week, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined a plan to construct a number of basis fashions throughout the subsequent 10 months. The federal government has additionally launched the Rs 10,738 crore India AI Mission, with a deal with fostering innovation and figuring out startups able to driving AI improvement.

Altman’s go to to India on February 5 included a closed-door assembly with among the nation’s high startup founders and traders to debate OpenAI’s technique for the Indian market. Distinguished attendees included Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Unacademy’s Gaurav Munjal, and Ixigo’s Aloke Bajpai, amongst others. Traders from companies like Peak XV Companions, Accel, and Lightspeed Enterprise Companions had been additionally current.

In the course of the assembly, business leaders spoke about OpenAI’s roadmap and improvements, together with using AI brokers and instruments to handle real-world challenges. Srikanth Velamakanni, co-founder of Fractal, described the discussions as insightful and expressed enthusiasm for OpenAI’s future initiatives.

Rising international competitors in AI

Altman’s go to and India’s accelerated efforts come at a vital time, as AI improvement more and more turns into a key battleground for international tech management. China’s DeepSeek not too long ago unveiled a big language mannequin that rivals these from OpenAI, Google, and Meta, at a fraction of the standard price. This has prompted governments and corporations worldwide to push for quicker innovation.

With India’s bold plans and OpenAI’s renewed dedication, the nation seems well-positioned to emerge as a significant participant within the AI revolution, contributing to a extra aggressive and numerous international AI panorama.