Tata Sons chairman bats for sovereign AI to prevent digital colonialism

N Chandrasekaran cautioned that countries at the forefront of AI development will not just export the technology but also shape global ideologies and ways of thinking

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has called on India to prioritize the development of its own sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to prevent falling into “digital colonialism.” Speaking at the Mumbai Tech Week, Chandrasekaran emphasized that AI represents a transformative moment for humanity, akin to the invention of electricity, and should not be treated as just another technological development.

“The advent of AI is a seminal moment in human civilization,” said Chandrasekaran. “It is not just another technology, but a pivotal change that will shape the future of how we live, work, and think.”

Chandrasekaran warned that nations leading in AI development will not only export the technology but also the frameworks for thinking and global ideologies. “The countries that will lead AI will not only export AI, but they will be leaders in future ways of thinking,” he remarked. This, he argued, makes it critical for India to lead in AI development, ensuring that it does not become a mere consumer of foreign technologies but a creator in its own right.

Sovereign AI crucial for India’s growth

A major concern raised by Chandrasekaran was the cultural impact of relying on foreign AI systems. He stressed that without sovereign AI, India’s languages, activities, and cultural values risk being misunderstood or misrepresented by foreign AI systems. “If we don’t develop sovereign AI capabilities, we risk our society’s values and way of life being processed by AI engines that don’t understand India,” he said. He described this as a form of “digital colonialism,” a scenario India must avoid.

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Chandrasekaran called for a collective national effort to build the infrastructure and talent necessary for India to drive its own AI future. He highlighted the role of Tata Sons AI strategy in this development, emphasizing that Tata’s commitment to AI will help India become technologically self-reliant. “We must develop our own capabilities, build the right infrastructure, and ensure that we use our data to fuel our AI progress,” he said.

On the topic of jobs, Chandrasekaran addressed concerns about AI’s potential to displace workers. While acknowledging that the nature of jobs may evolve, he reassured the audience that AI would ultimately be a net job creator. “AI will open new opportunities, especially in fields like robotics, AI hardware, and generative AI technologies,” he said, emphasizing that India must prepare its workforce for these new roles.

Tata supports India’s AI aspirations

Chandrasekaran also pointed out that traditional business advantages like capital or resources would be less significant in the age of AI. What will matter more, he stated, is vision and execution. “Success will not depend on resources but on having the right vision and executing it well,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of regulating AI to meet India’s specific needs, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. “We must regulate AI in a way that protects our data and aligns with our goals,” he added.

Chandrasekaran reaffirmed the importance of India becoming a creator of AI technology rather than just a consumer. He expressed his support for government initiatives like the AI mission, calling them a step in the right direction. The Tata AI vision, he noted, would continue to drive India’s AI aspirations, ensuring the country’s leadership in the global technology arena.

Chandrasekaran assured that the Tata Group would remain committed to advancing India’s AI journey and technological independence.

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