India Can Be the Global AI Use Case Capital
Vision and Strategy from the MeitY Secretary
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is actively transforming industries, economies, and public services worldwide. Recently, S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), highlighted a strong vision for India’s role in this transformation, stating that India has the potential to become the global AI use case capital.
Rather than focusing only on building large AI models or competing purely on infrastructure, India’s strength lies in deploying AI solutions at scale to solve real-world problems. This practical, impact-driven approach could define India’s leadership in the global AI ecosystem.
What Does “AI Use Case Capital” Mean?
Being an AI use case capital means becoming a hub where artificial intelligence is widely applied across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, governance, fintech, and manufacturing. It emphasizes real deployment, adoption, and measurable outcomes rather than experimental or theoretical AI projects.
In this model, innovation is judged by how effectively AI improves lives, optimizes systems, and drives inclusive growth.
Why India Is Well Positioned
India’s diversity and scale create a unique environment for AI innovation. With a population exceeding one billion and significant linguistic, economic, and regional variation, India presents a wide range of complex challenges that require intelligent, scalable solutions.
The country also benefits from a large and growing pool of skilled engineers, developers, and data professionals. Indian talent already plays a major role in global technology development, and this expertise can be redirected toward building impactful AI applications within the country.
In addition, India’s startup ecosystem is increasingly focused on AI-driven solutions. From healthcare diagnostics and language technologies to automation and analytics platforms, startups are building tools designed for real-world adoption. Government support is now shifting toward encouraging solutions that demonstrate practical value and large-scale usability.
A Balanced Global and Sovereign AI Approach
The MeitY Secretary emphasized that India’s AI strategy will remain open while also strengthening sovereign capabilities. India does not intend to isolate itself from global AI advancements. Instead, it aims to collaborate with international players while simultaneously building domestic AI infrastructure and platforms.
This includes investments in sovereign cloud infrastructure, indigenous large language models, and policy frameworks that ensure trust, security, and transparency. Such a balanced approach allows India to remain globally competitive while retaining strategic autonomy in critical technologies.
IndiaAI Impact Summit and Global Collaboration
India’s vision is expected to take center stage at the upcoming IndiaAI Impact Summit in New Delhi, which will bring together global policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators. The summit will focus on showcasing real AI deployments and discussing international cooperation on AI governance and ethics.
The Prime Minister has also encouraged Indian startups to present locally developed AI use cases at the summit, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on practical innovation over theoretical advancements.
What This Means for India’s Future
If India successfully establishes itself as the global AI use case capital, the benefits could be far-reaching. Businesses will gain access to affordable and scalable AI tools tailored to diverse markets. Citizens will experience improved public services, healthcare access, and digital inclusion. Startups will find greater opportunities for global partnerships and investments.
For the global community, India could serve as a testing ground for AI solutions that work across different cultures, languages, and economic conditions, making these innovations more adaptable worldwide.
Conclusion
India’s ambition to become the global AI use case capital reflects a shift in how leadership in artificial intelligence is defined. The focus is no longer only on who builds the biggest models, but on who applies AI most effectively to real-world challenges.
With strong policy direction, a skilled workforce, and an ecosystem oriented toward impact, India is well positioned to play a defining role in the next phase of global AI adoption.