**India's Unique Approach to AI Autonomy: A Three-Pillar Strategy** India is carving its own path in the global AI landscape, differing from the U. S. and China, which prioritize economic dominance and national security. Instead, India's vision centers on AI autonomy, integrating homegrown solutions aligned with its socio-economic development goals. This strategy, comprising three key pillars, aims to position India as a leader in AI while addressing societal challenges and enhancing the quality of life for its 1. 3 billion citizens. 1. **Democratizing AI through Open Innovation**: India is fostering open-source AI technologies that cater to local needs. Initiatives like the Bhashini platform, which supports processing in multiple Indian languages, and the iGOT Karmayogi online training platform for government employees exemplify this commitment to inclusiveness. 2. **Public-Sector-Led Development Applications**: The Indian government employs AI to tackle critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education, ensuring technology serves societal needs. The eSanjeevani telemedicine platform and the mKisan portal for farmers demonstrate AI's role in closing gaps in access and quality. 3. **Global Leadership in Sustainable Development**: India advocates for ethical AI governance and aims to lead in using AI to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally, promoting South-South cooperation. **AI Ecosystem in India** India’s AI ecosystem is vibrant, shaped by government initiatives, private-sector innovation, and academic research. With over 1, 600 AI-focused start-ups reported in 2023, the sector showcases India's potential for technological advancement. Key initiatives include the India AI mission, which promotes AI adoption across various sectors, and the National AI Strategy from NITI Aayog, guiding national AI endeavors towards development. India’s approach emphasizes AI for social good, evidenced by initiatives like the Responsible AI for Social Empowerment (RAISE).

This commitment aligns with the National Development Agenda 2030, integrating AI as a driver for economic growth and SDGs. **Open Innovation in AI** India is advancing open-source AI development, emphasizing collaboration and transparency. The Bhashini initiative supports multiple languages, making NLP models accessible, while the iGOT Karmayogi platform uses AI to enhance government employee training. Prestigious institutions like IISc and IIT Madras contribute to research in open-source AI, impacting sectors ranging from healthcare to environmental monitoring. Start-ups benefit from open-source models, as they allow for cost-effective, tailored solutions that meet local needs. For instance, the integration of Meta’s Llama model into applications by Indian start-ups signifies the potential for localized AI solutions. **Public-Sector Engagement with AI** India’s AI initiatives address deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. The healthcare system faces a scarcity of resources, with significant disparities in access, while education struggles with literacy gaps. Agriculture, employing 42% of the workforce, is hindered by inefficiencies. By positioning AI as a transformative medium, India is leveraging technology to address these challenges. The eSanjeevani platform exemplifies the government’s efforts to improve healthcare access, while agricultural programs like Agristack and mKisan enhance farming practices. **Shaping Global AI Leadership** India's proactive policies and collaborative actions are pivotal to its ambition of global AI leadership. As a member of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), India is focused on democratizing access to AI skills and promoting responsible development across sectors, aiming to fulfill the SDGs by 2030. However, challenges such as the need for advanced AI infrastructure, data privacy concerns, and algorithmic bias persist, necessitating collaboration among government, industry, and academia. India’s journey offers insights into utilizing AI for socio-economic development, potentially serving as a model for other developing nations striving for inclusive growth. **Authors' Background** Mohamed Elbashir is a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and an expert in technology governance. Kishore Balaji Desikachari serves as the executive director for government affairs at IBM India/South Asia and has extensive experience in technology policy.