The Indian government plans to empower domestic data center companies to manage and operate GPUs procured for the India AI Mission, allocating ₹4,000-₹5,000 crore for GPUs. This strategic move aims to strengthen India's AI capabilities, fostering innovation and enabling local firms, startups, academics, and researchers to access subsidized high-performance computing resources from American tech giants like Nvidia, Intel, and AMD.
In a move that showcases India's commitment to technological advancement, the government is exploring the possibility of empowering Indian data center companies to manage and operate the graphics processing units (GPUs) procured under the Rs 10,372 crore India AI Mission.
"The request for proposal (RFP) should be out in the next few days. We are studying the best way to subsidise the GPU, which will also include the operations, maintenance, and upgrade costs," said an official cited in the report.
This strategic decision demonstrates the government's unwavering focus on strengthening the nation's AI capabilities and fostering innovation. By prioritizing the involvement of domestic data center companies, the government aims to ensure that the benefits of this initiative are directly channeled towards Indian firms, startups, academics, and researchers.
Abhishek Singh, the additional secretary to the ministry of electronics and IT, highlighted the significance of this move, stating, "A corpus of Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore will be set aside for GPUs."
The government's proactive approach in engaging with global tech giants like Nvidia, Intel, and AMD showcases its commitment to understanding the supply dynamics of these high-end computing resources. This collaborative effort will help India secure a steady and reliable source of these critical components, ensuring that its AI ecosystem can thrive.
Moreover, the government's plan to require global firms participating in the tender to set up new operations in India and demonstrate that the data being processed will be kept within Indian shores underscores the importance of data sovereignty and the protection of sensitive information.
"If the company chooses to apply for help from the government, there must be some clarity on the intent for which the GPU is being bought," emphasized one of the officials, highlighting the government's focus on ensuring the responsible and strategic utilization of these valuable resources.
This initiative is a significant step forward in India's quest to become a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence. By empowering domestic data center companies and fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem, India is poised to unlock new opportunities for innovation, research, and technological advancements that will benefit the nation and its people.
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