Everywhere all at once makes India a safe AI bet

Core Insights - India may not become a chipmaking superpower but could be a significant player in the age of artificial intelligence by leveraging its large population to utilize AI technologies rather than develop them [1][16] - The rollout of free AI services by major companies in India indicates a strategic move to tap into the country's vast user base and high technology adoption rates among young people [5][16] Industry Dynamics - Telecom providers are partnering with AI companies to bundle AI services with subscription plans, marking a shift from traditional entertainment packages to utility-based offerings [5][16] - The Indian government believes that widespread AI adoption could triple the productivity of informal workers from $5 to $15 per hour, potentially adding $500 billion to $600 billion to the economy by 2035 [7][16] Societal Impact - The introduction of AI could help break the cycle of low-skill, low-productivity work in India, as many young people currently lack the necessary skills to compete in the job market [6][8] - The curiosity and tech-savviness of Indian youth may facilitate the self-learning of new systems, enabling them to navigate complex regulatory environments and provide services across cultural divides [10][12] Future Outlook - If language models effectively lower barriers to competence, India's underperforming workforce could become a significant growth story on a global scale [14][17] - The current government has struggled to empower its citizens with skills, suggesting that leveraging AI technologies may be a viable alternative to traditional educational methods [15][17]