India to Launch Affordable Indigenous AI Model

On 30th January 2025, Union Minister announced that India is set to introduce its own secure and affordable indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) model.

Affordable AI Model: The new AI model will be priced at less than 100 rupees per hour, benefiting from a 40% government subsidy, making it far cheaper than global models, which cost 2.5 to 3 dollars per hour.
Citizen-Centric Applications: The AI will feature 18 citizen-centric applications covering sectors such as agriculture, learning disabilities, and climate change.
India’s Global AI Standing: Minister emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step for India, positioning the country as a reliable global leader in ethical AI solutions.
Customization for India: The AI model will be tailored to the Indian context, incorporating Indian languages, with a focus on developing AI solutions that meet local needs.
Development Progress: Researchers, developers, and coders are currently working on multiple foundational AI models, and the AI system is expected to be ready within six months.
Privacy Concerns Addressed: In response to privacy concerns regarding DeepSeek, the AI model will be hosted on Indian servers after security protocol checks, ensuring the safety of user data.