‘Summits Alone Won’t Make India AI Hub; Infra Push, Skill Development Are Key’

Umesh Chand, Asst Prof, AI and Animation, Sharda University, says artificial intelligence thrives on data, and few nations can match the digital depth of India. His views:

The recent AI Summit is being criticised by some as mere optics and hype and being hailed by some as a signal of India’s rise as a global AI data centre hub cannot. In my view, an objective assessment about the event cannot be answered in such simplistic terms. India’s structural advantages are real and substantial. However, the true test lies in execution, sustainability, and long-term vision.

India’s digital public infrastructure — built on platforms such as UPI, Aadhaar, eCommerce systems, and widespread mobile connectivity — has already demonstrated how technology can operate at an unprecedented scale. We have a digitised population of over 1.4 billion citizens generating diverse datasets every day. This scale is India’s biggest strength. Artificial Intelligence thrives on data, and very few nations possess this kind of digital depth and breadth.

From an economic standpoint, I see India as strongly positioned to become a data powerhouse. Compared to the United States, Europe, or Singapore, land acquisition, labour, and operational costs are significantly lower here. This gives India a competitive edge in building hyperscale data centres.

The presence of global giants such as Microsoft, Google, and AWS expanding their cloud infrastructure in India signals long-term strategic commitment. At the same time, domestic conglomerates like Reliance and Adani are investing heavily in data parks and digital infrastructure, not as a temporary trend but as a foundational growth strategy.

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Yet, infrastructure and cost advantages alone will not define India’s AI future. In my view, energy planning is perhaps the most critical factor. Data centres consume enormous amounts of electricity. Without reliable and sustainable energy sources, growth will face serious constraints.

Fortunately, India’s expanding renewable energy capacity — particularly in solar and wind — offers an opportunity to build green AI infrastructure. If we align AI expansion with sustainable energy planning, India can differentiate itself globally as both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

Another area that demands attention is policy stability. AI innovation flourishes in environments where regulations are clear, consistent, and innovation-friendly. Data protection frameworks, cyber-security policies, and cross-border data flow regulations must strike the right balance between security and openness.

As an academic working in AI and animation, I see immense talent among our students and researchers. What they need is an ecosystem that supports experimentation, protects intellectual property, and encourages product development rather than limiting them to service roles.

Most importantly, I believe India’s greatest asset is its people. Every year, we produce one of the world’s largest pools of engineers, developers, and AI researchers. Our start-up ecosystems in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, and Pune are already building AI-driven solutions in healthcare diagnostics, language technologies, financial inclusion, and smart logistics.

With focused skill development programs and stronger industry-academia collaboration, we can transition from being a service-driven economy to becoming a creator of AI products and infrastructure.

For me, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 should not be seen as an event of optics but as a moment of accountability. Announcements alone will not make India an AI hub. Sustained infrastructure investment, energy preparedness, regulatory consistency, and human capital development will determine whether we convert potential into leadership. If we remain disciplined and strategic, I am confident that India is not just participating in the AI revolution — we are poised to shape it.

As told to Deepti Sharma