(Image source from: Metroindia.net)
Taking a 'bold' risk on India's strength in AI, billionaire Mukesh Ambani announced on Wednesday that Jio, along with Reliance Industries, will put in Rs 10 lakh crore into artificial intelligence over the next seven years. This investment is not just a gamble, the chairman of Reliance mentioned while at the AI India Impact Summit. "India is set to become one of the leading AI powers globally in the 21st century. My belief is supported by a clear truth. In the future, no nation can compete with India’s advantages in population, democracy, growth, digital systems, data production, and AI development. " Mukesh Ambani explained that Jio Intelligence aims to create India’s national computing foundation through three main initiatives. “First, we are setting up gigawatt-scale data centers. We have begun building large-scale AI-ready data centers in Jamnagar. Over 120 megawatts will be operational in the latter half of 2026, which will lead to gigawatt-scale computing for AI training and extensive analysis. Second, we have an advantage in green energy. We have around 10 gigawatts of excess green energy, primarily from solar power in Kutch and Andhra Pradesh. "
"Third, we will establish a nationwide edge computing network. This will be closely tied to Jio’s services, making AI quick, efficient, and affordable for people in their homes, schools, and workplaces,” Ambani continued. He pointed out that India is the top consumer of mobile data in the world, with almost 1 billion users and some of the most affordable data prices anywhere. “In terms of performance, there is no difference between Delhi and the most distant village in India. ” Ambani emphasized the strength of India’s digital landscape: “Aadhaar offers 1.4 billion digital identities. UPI handles over 12 billion transactions every month. India is among the top three startup hubs globally, featuring over 100,000 startups and more than 100 unicorns. Our safe and inclusive digital public framework is now being used around the world. Jio, with over 500 million dedicated customers, has been fortunate to lead this change across services like broadband, 4G, 5G, and home internet. ”
He stressed, “India cannot spend resources on buying intelligence. We will slash the expenses of intelligence just like we did with data. ” Ambani mentioned, “The main limitation in AI at the moment isn’t skill or creativity. It is the lack and high costs of computing power. ” "Artificial Intelligence is not merely another piece of technology. For the first time, people are developing systems that resemble humans and can learn, communicate, analyze, move, and create independently. AI is the driving force that enables every machine and system to operate faster, more effectively, and more intelligently," he explained. "I view AI as a contemporary Akshay Patra, the famous container from the Mahabharata that provided endless food to everyone. Similarly, AI gives limitless improvements in knowledge, efficiency, and output. We are just at the beginning of this age. The finest advancements in AI are yet to arrive. "
He continued, "Currently, there is a significant discussion worldwide—will AI centralize power among a small group, or will it create opportunities for everyone? Should we function as separate countries, or as one global community? Our divided world is at a crossroads. One direction has resulted in a situation where AI is limited and costly, computing is centralized, data is managed, and capabilities are restricted due to financial and geographical barriers in the affluent northern regions. " In this grim situation, the divide increases between countries, within communities, and across different generations, he added.
