News Desk
NEW DELHI — India has emerged as a rising star in the global push toward artificial intelligence, securing a notable position in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, released last month by Oxford Insights. Climbing the ranks to land among the top-tier nations, India’s ascent reflects its ambitious strides in weaving AI into the fabric of public service and governance. While the precise ranking—placing India at 19th out of 188 countries—marks a continuity from previous years, experts say the country’s score of 73.2 signals a robust foundation and a trajectory that could soon see it challenging the world’s AI frontrunners.
The index, a benchmark trusted by policymakers and cited by organizations like UNESCO and the G20, evaluates governments on their preparedness to integrate AI into public services, analyzing factors such as digital infrastructure, technological innovation, and regulatory frameworks. For India, this year’s performance underscores a blend of technological prowess and a commitment to leveraging AI for societal good—a narrative that resonates deeply in a nation of 1.4 billion people, where innovation often meets the urgency of scale.
“It’s not just about the numbers,” said Dr. Anjali Sharma, a technology policy expert at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. “India’s ranking reflects a deliberate push to harness AI for inclusive growth—think healthcare in rural villages, education for underserved communities, and smarter governance. That’s where we’re punching above our weight.”
India’s journey in AI readiness is a tale of momentum. Since the launch of its National AI Strategy in 2018 under the banner “AI for All,” the government has poured resources into building a digital backbone—think widespread 5G rollout, a booming startup ecosystem, and initiatives like the National Language Translation Mission, which uses AI to break linguistic barriers across the country’s 22 official languages. The results are tangible: India now boasts a $6.4 billion AI-ready market, according to industry estimates, and forecasts suggest AI could add nearly $1 trillion to the economy by 2035.
This year’s index highlights India’s strengths in its technology sector, where it scored particularly high thanks to a vibrant pool of AI talent and a surge in research. The country ranks first globally in AI scientific publications and talent concentration, according to the Network Readiness Index 2024, a parallel measure by the Portulans Institute that saw India jump 11 spots to 49th overall. From Bengaluru’s tech corridors to Hyderabad’s innovation hubs, India’s AI workforce—bolstered by institutions like the IITs and a growing diaspora of engineers—is driving breakthroughs in machine learning, natural language processing, and more.
Take startups like Niramai, which uses AI for affordable breast cancer screening in rural clinics, or CropIn, which empowers farmers with predictive analytics. These homegrown solutions are not just solving local problems—they’re catching global attention. “India’s ability to tailor AI to its unique challenges is what sets it apart,” said Rohan Gupta, a tech analyst at NITI Aayog, the government’s policy think tank. “We’re not just adopting tech; we’re shaping it.”
Yet, the road isn’t without bumps. The index points to gaps in data infrastructure and regulatory coherence—areas where India trails leaders like the United States (ranked 1st with a score of 84.8) and Singapore (a perennial top performer). Experts note that while India excels in innovation, its public-sector adoption of AI lags behind private-sector dynamism. “The government has the vision, but execution across ministries can be uneven,” said Dr. Sharma. “Streamlining data governance and scaling pilot projects will be key.”
Still, optimism abounds. India’s role as the council chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) through 2024-25 has positioned it as a voice for the Global South, advocating for equitable AI standards. Initiatives like Bhashini, an AI-powered translation tool, and MyGov’s chatbot, which delivers citizen services via WhatsApp, showcase how India is blending tech with accessibility. “We’re not just playing catch-up,” Gupta added. “We’re setting an example for emerging economies.”
Globally, the 2024 index reflects a shifting landscape. While the U.S. and Western Europe dominate, Asia’s presence is growing, with Singapore, South Korea, and Japan also ranking high. India’s climb stands out for its pace and potential. “What’s exciting is the trajectory,” said Sarah Logan, a lead researcher at Oxford Insights. “India’s investments in talent and infrastructure could see it leapfrog others in the next few years.”
Back home, the mood is buoyant but pragmatic. At a recent tech summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized AI as a pillar of India’s future, pledging to make the country a “global AI hub.” For now, the 2024 ranking is a milestone—a testament to India’s ability to dream big and deliver. As Dr. Sharma put it, “We’re not at the top yet, but we’re building something remarkable. The world should watch this space.”
Data for this article were collected from the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, the Network Readiness Index 2024 by the Portulans Institute, and statements from NITI Aayog and industry reports.
