During a recent visit to India, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss India’s plans to establish a cost-effective AI ecosystem. Their conversation centered on India’s comprehensive strategy for AI development, encompassing essential elements like GPUs, foundational models, and AI applications. Altman expressed OpenAI’s interest in collaborating with India, recognizing the country’s potential to influence the future of artificial intelligence.
This visit reflects a notable change from Altman’s earlier skepticism in 2023, when he had questioned India’s ability to create its own foundational AI models, describing such efforts as “hopeless.” However, with the rapid evolution of AI technology and reduced development costs, he now views India’s AI aspirations as both realistic and attainable.
Altman also acknowledged India’s increasing impact on the global AI stage, noting that India has become OpenAI’s second-largest market, with user numbers tripling over the past year. He praised India’s innovation, efficiency in developing reasoning models, and its vast pool of skilled talent as key drivers of its potential to lead in AI.
Altman’s visit underscores a renewed optimism in India’s AI ecosystem and opens doors for potential partnerships between OpenAI and Indian AI developers. As India advances its AI capabilities, the global tech community is increasingly recognizing the country’s progress and ambitions.
