At the Global Technology Summit hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani emphasized that India shouldn’t fret over not creating its own AI models like DeepSeek.
“No need to lose sleep over someone not building AI models here,” Nilekani remarked. He highlighted India’s existing AI mission and smaller models, urging a focus on expansion. “The conversation should now shift to scaling them up,” he added.
Nilekani pointed out a key technological shift: “Unlike past revolutions, we’re now entrusting non-human intelligence with decisions. Earlier tech was predictable; today, we’re betting on machines to lead us—a massive leap of faith in their potential.”
What Made DeepSeek a Game-Changer in AI?
It has shaken up the AI world in China since its January release. DeepSeek, an affordable and open-source AI model from a Chinese startup, provided a fresh impetus for the competition. The big Chinese players–Baidu, Tencent, and Alibaba–have all been rushing to catch up in the AI game, launching products faster with increased investments and a wholesale shift toward open-source approaches.
DeepSeek R1, a large language model rivalling ChatGPT, stands out for its efficiency—built for just $6 million compared to OpenAI’s $540 million ChatGPT—and lower GPU demands, slashing costs further. Its performance, matching global leaders at a bargain, has shaken the industry.
The model’s rise wiped billions off the valuations of US tech titans like Nvidia, Meta, and Alphabet as markets recalibrated AI’s financial future. It’s spotlighted China’s AI ascent and fueled discussions on why India hasn’t yet birthed a similar disruptor.