India must develop an AI model that integrates ancient Vedic wisdom with modern technology. This model should be culturally rooted, ethical, and inclusive, distinct from Western and Chinese AI models.
As artificial intelligence reshapes the world, different nations are steering its development in their ways. Silicon Valley’s AI is largely capitalistic, designed for commercial success, and often reflects a Western perspective. China’s DeepSeek AI, on the other hand, follows a state-controlled model that serves government interests and policies. In this evolving landscape, India has the opportunity to introduce a more balanced and ethical AI system rooted in its rich heritage and inclusive philosophy.
With global AI models reflecting their respective national priorities, India’s unique strength lies in its philosophical depth and knowledge systems. Ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Puranas, and Kautilya’s Arthashastra offer unparalleled insights into ethics, governance, strategy, and human consciousness. By incorporating this intellectual wealth, India-developed AI can be more holistic, inclusive, and human-centric, unlike AI models solely relying on commercial or state interests.
Indigenous AI Model: Recognizing the potential of a homegrown AI model, the Government of India has officially announced its plans to develop a foundational AI model. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently confirmed that India will build its generative AI model, setting the stage for the country’s entry into global AI competition. This initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of self-reliance in technology and reducing dependence on foreign AI models.
India is expected to launch its first homegrown foundational AI model by the end of this year, aimed at competing with global AI giants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and China’s DeepSeek AI. This strategic push toward indigenous AI development is crucial for ensuring that India’s AI aligns with its cultural, ethical, and governance frameworks rather than being influenced by external narratives.
PM Modi’s recent discussions on AI in Paris underscore India’s commitment to playing a significant role in AI governance and ethics. These international collaborations can help India shape AI policies that balance innovation with responsible usage, ensuring that AI benefits society without leading to exploitation or bias.
Ancient Wisdom: A significant step in India’s AI journey would be digitizing and integrating its ancient texts into AI training models. Currently, most AI models are trained on modern datasets that lack historical and philosophical depth. India can change this by feeding thousands of years of documented wisdom into AI systems, ensuring they offer insights beyond profit-driven or state-controlled decision-making.
For example, the Bhagavad Gita provides deep insights into moral dilemmas, decision-making, and self-discipline, which could help AI systems develop a more ethical reasoning framework. Kautilya’s Arthashastra contains advanced knowledge of governance, strategy, and economic policies, which could be used to create AI models capable of policy analysis and financial forecasting. Similarly, Ayurveda and Yoga could be integrated into AI-driven healthcare solutions, making them more holistic and wellness-oriented.
India’s AI strategy should leverage its cultural strengths while ensuring its competitiveness in global advancements. The challenge is how effectively India can merge this traditional wisdom with modern AI architecture, ensuring it remains relevant, scalable, and globally competitive.
Regulation Frameworks: With AI advancing rapidly, the risk of misuse is a growing concern. Deepfakes, misinformation, biased decision-making, and data privacy threats pose significant challenges. India must take a proactive approach in formulating AI regulations and ethical guidelines to ensure responsible AI use. Additionally, India should encourage open-source AI models, ensuring that AI development remains transparent and accessible rather than being monopolized by a few corporations or government entities. India, with its deep-rooted traditions of knowledge, spirituality, and inclusivity, is well-positioned to develop an AI model that is both technologically advanced and morally responsible.
The writer is a senior journalist and columnist. Views are personal. Twitter @narvijayyadav
