By Deekshith Marla, Co-founder of Arya.ai, an Aurionpro Company
For a long time, AI breakthroughs seemed out of reach for anyone without a big budget. Only a handful of tech giants built the models, while the rest of the world worked around them. However, the tech landscape is now witnessing some fundamental shifts, and the arrival of DeepSeek in the market is a big one. It can be developed with precision, efficiency, and far fewer resources. It opens the door for India to move beyond implementation and take the lead in shaping AI for its own industries, languages, and future.
India has always had the talent. Our engineers and researchers are already at the forefront of AI innovation, driving breakthroughs at some of the world’s top technology companies. But with open-source models breaking traditional barriers, the opportunity is not just about contributing, it’s about creating. Indian businesses now have the chance to develop AI on their own terms, building models tailored to local languages, industries, and regulatory needs.
More importantly, this is a shift toward independence. Open-source AI gives companies the freedom to build without being tied to foreign pricing, policies, or priorities. This situation presents a chance to take control of the future. The opportunity is here, the momentum is real, and all the pieces exist with us; it’s time to put them together.
Lower Costs, Higher Potential
Training an AI model at scale has traditionally been an expensive process, limiting development to a few global players. DeepSeek changes that equation. Reports suggest it was trained at 90 to 95 percent lower costs than its Western counterparts. That makes AI development more realistic for Indian startups and enterprises that don’t have billions in capital but have the technical expertise to build impactful solutions.
Moving From Consumers to Creators
A homegrown model trained in Indian languages could unlock better AI-driven customer experiences in banking, healthcare, and public services. It could also bridge gaps in digital accessibility by enabling voice assistants, translation tools, and chatbots tailored to India’s diverse population. The potential is there. The next step is a focused push toward research and development.
Making AI More Accessible
A well-supported ecosystem could encourage more experimentation and innovation. Universities could develop domain-specific AI models. Small businesses could use AI without needing expensive third-party licenses. Developers could create new applications without waiting for global tech giants to lead the way.
Moving from Experimentation to Real-World Use
Indian IT companies have always been strong at integrating technology into enterprises. With open-source AI, they can move beyond implementing third-party solutions to developing their own. Industry-specific AI tools can improve automation, customer interactions, and decision-making across banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
The Need for Compute Power
Building and running AI models requires serious computing power. While India has access to advanced hardware like NVIDIA’s H100 GPUs, scaling AI development depends on making these resources more available to startups and research labs. Cloud-based AI infrastructure, government-backed initiatives, and strategic partnerships could help bridge this gap. If companies and research institutions have easier access to computing resources, AI development won’t be limited to a handful of well-funded enterprises.
The Role of Policy and Government Support
Government initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission could play a crucial role in accelerating AI development. Beyond funding and infrastructure, clear policies on data governance, AI ethics, and public-private partnerships will determine how quickly AI research moves forward. The right mix of regulatory support and industry collaboration can push India toward becoming a leader in AI innovation.
A Shift from Services to AI-Driven Products
India’s tech industry has long been focused on services, but AI offers a chance to expand into product innovation. Investing in AI-driven products could create new revenue streams and position Indian companies as global AI leaders. This requires a shift in mindset, but the growth potential is undeniable. Companies that embrace AI product development today will have a competitive edge in the years ahead.
Collaboration and Open-Source Growth
The open-source AI movement thrives on collaboration. Researchers, developers, and enterprises can come together to accelerate breakthroughs and drive innovation. India’s AI community can benefit from global open-source initiatives while also contributing to them, building a strong network of expertise and shared learning.
Managing Risks and Building Responsible AI
While open-source AI presents exciting opportunities, it also comes with challenges. Security, data privacy, and ethical considerations must be built into AI development from the start. India needs strong AI governance frameworks to ensure that models are transparent, fair, and aligned with ethical standards. Another key factor is avoiding overdependence on any single AI model, whether from China, the US, or elsewhere. Developing independent, well-regulated AI solutions will help maintain technological sovereignty while ensuring AI remains a force for positive impact.
A Defining Opportunity for India
India has everything it needs to become a major player in AI. The talent, the market demand, and the expertise in scaling technology are already there. With open-source AI models lowering the barriers to entry, the opportunity to build innovative, cost-effective, and industry-specific AI solutions has never been stronger.
The companies that move quickly, invest in AI-driven products, and build the right infrastructure will define India’s AI future.
