Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has praised Chinese startup DeepSeek for disrupting the AI industry at a cost that is affordable to everyone. Addressing an event in Odisha, he used the success story of DeepSeek as an example of how it is possible to develop AI models without huge budgetary allocations—something India hopes to achieve when it develops its own AI models.
Regarding DeepSeek, Vaishnaw ensured that data would be protected because India will host the AI on local servers. His response goes in tandem with India’s $1.25 billion AI mission launched last March, an effort to boost AI startups and innovate while also building India’s AI model for the coming months.
The Indian government has also deployed 18,693 graphics processing units as part of the effort to enhance computing power. The new institution for AI safety, according to Vaishnaw, has been announced to be established for the promotion of responsible use of AI. DeepSeek developed a strong AI model in only two months, with a budget of less than $6 million, showing that great AI development does not need huge capital.
Vaishnaw also mentioned OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who had visited India last year and asked if an Indian team could build a strong AI model with just $10 million. Altman’s comments have once again been in the spotlight after DeepSeek’s success. “Some people question how much the government is spending on the India AI mission. But look at DeepSeek—$5.5 million and a really powerful model, all thanks to smart planning,” Vaishnaw said.
Altman is to return to India on February 5. Meanwhile, the court cases are going on between OpenAI and the digital publishers on copyright issues. His visit will likely continue the conversations on the progress of AI in India.