AI Mission 2.0 to Scale Up with 20 Lakh Training Target, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw

The government had originally planned to procure 10,000 GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) under the AI Mission to support AI model training and deployment. However, Vaishnaw revealed that the country has already secured 38,000 GPUs and is planning to add another 20,000 in the near term.

“We wanted two foundational models; we have exceeded that as well,” Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

This dramatic increase in computing infrastructure signals India’s intent to build sovereign AI capacity and reduce reliance on foreign cloud and AI infrastructure providers. GPUs are critical for training large language models and running AI-driven applications at scale.

20 Lakh AI Training Target Under AI Mission 2.0

Skilling as a Core Strategic Pillar

A key announcement under AI Mission 2.0 is the ambitious goal of training 20 lakh individuals in artificial intelligence. The government is positioning workforce development as a central pillar of its AI strategy.

The initiative will focus on:

• AI research and development

• Model training and deployment

• Chip optimisation for AI workloads

• Industry-ready AI professionals

• Strengthening India’s domestic AI value chain

The skilling push aligns with India’s broader digital economy goals and its ambition to become a global technology hub.

Progress on Indigenous AI Models

Performance Claims Against Global Competitors

Highlighting advancements in domestic AI innovation, Vaishnaw stated that Indian startup Sarvam AI has outperformed several international models on certain benchmarks. He referenced comparisons with models developed by:

• OpenAI

• Google DeepMind’s Gemini

• DeepSeek

Although detailed benchmark data was not disclosed, the minister emphasized that the results demonstrate India’s growing technical capabilities in advanced AI model development.

This reflects India’s increasing focus on building indigenous foundational AI models tailored to local languages, governance needs, and sector-specific applications.

AI-Generated Content Labelling Framework

Global Support for Disclosure Norms

Vaishnaw also addressed India’s proposal to introduce labelling norms for AI-generated content. He stated that many countries have supported India’s initiative and congratulated the country for taking the lead.

He further noted that he had not encountered opposition to the proposed framework during discussions with international counterparts, adding that the need for AI transparency norms is being recognized globally.

The move comes amid rising global concerns over misinformation, deepfakes, and synthetic media. Several jurisdictions, including the European Union and the United States, are exploring regulatory frameworks to mandate AI content disclosure.

India AI Summit and $250 Billion Investment Commitments

Massive Infrastructure Commitments

According to Vaishnaw, the India AI Summit attracted investment commitments exceeding $250 billion related to infrastructure development. These commitments underline growing investor confidence in India’s AI ecosystem.

Additionally:

• 70 nations have signed the Delhi Declaration.

• The number is expected to cross 80 before the summit concludes.

• Details of the declaration will be shared transparently after the event wraps up.

The Delhi Declaration is expected to outline principles for global AI governance, collaboration, and responsible innovation.

India Joins Pax Silica Initiative

Strengthening Semiconductor Cooperation

India formally joined the US-led strategic initiative Pax Silica on February 20. The initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation in semiconductors and advanced technologies among participating nations.

“All the major players where the ecosystem resides should also support our journey,” Vaishnaw said.

He added that global discussions under the initiative have reinforced the perception of India as a trusted semiconductor supply chain partner.

India’s semiconductor ambitions include:

• Expanding chip fabrication capacity

• Encouraging domestic manufacturing

• Strengthening global supply chain partnerships

• Reducing dependency on concentrated chip production hubs

AI and Semiconductor Synergy

Optimising Chips for AI Deployment

Vaishnaw emphasized the integration of AI capability-building with semiconductor innovation.

“India will learn about AI and optimise chips for deployment,” he said.

He further highlighted ongoing innovation aimed at:

• Reducing power consumption

• Lowering chip manufacturing costs

• Improving competitiveness in semiconductor fabrication

Energy-efficient AI chips are increasingly important as global AI workloads demand massive computing power and raise sustainability concerns.

Strategic Context: India–US Technology Cooperation

India’s participation in Pax Silica signals deepening economic and technological cooperation between New Delhi and Washington. The collaboration is expected to focus on:

• Critical and emerging technologies

• Supply chain resilience

• AI research partnerships

• Advanced semiconductor design

This comes at a time when global supply chains are being restructured to reduce geopolitical risk and ensure technological sovereignty.

Conclusion

AI Mission 2.0 marks a decisive escalation in India’s artificial intelligence strategy. With a target of training 20 lakh individuals, expanding GPU capacity beyond initial goals, supporting indigenous AI models, and strengthening semiconductor partnerships, India is positioning itself as a serious global contender in AI and advanced technologies.

The integration of AI infrastructure, skilling, regulatory leadership, and chip manufacturing demonstrates a comprehensive approach rather than a fragmented one. If executed effectively, AI Mission 2.0 could accelerate India’s transition from a technology services powerhouse to a leader in foundational AI development and semiconductor innovation.

As global competition intensifies in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, India’s expanded mission signals both ambition and strategic intent.