IndiaAI Mission Enters Next Big Phase
India has taken a bold step in its artificial intelligence journey. The government has announced eight organisations including IIT Bombay, Tech Mahindra, and Fractal Analytics to develop massive foundational large language models (LLMs) under the IndiaAI Mission.
Background: Building India’s AI Ambition
Over the past year, India has accelerated efforts to create home-grown AI systems that can compete globally. Earlier, startups like Sarvam AI, SoketAI, and Gnani.ai were selected to develop specialised models. Now, with bigger players on board, the country is moving towards world-class AI infrastructure.
The Big Update: IIT Bombay’s BharatGen Leads the Charge
At the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that IIT Bombay’s BharatGen consortium will build a 1-trillion parameter AI model.
- Funding approved: ₹988.6 crore
- Scale: Among the largest AI models worldwide
- Goal: Create sovereign AI capability for India
Other selected firms include:
- Avataar AI
- Fractal Analytics
- Tech Mahindra
- Zeinteiq Aitech Innovations
- Genloop Intelligence
- NeuroDX (Intellihealth)
- Shodh AI
Industry Reactions: Excitement Across the Board
Tech Mahindra, already working on its Indic model Project Indus, called the recognition a proud moment. The company highlighted its efforts to keep the project open-source and cost-efficient, showcasing India’s ability to innovate independently.
Why This Matters
A trillion-parameter AI model can handle languages, culture, and data unique to India. It boosts national AI sovereignty, reduces dependency on foreign models, and positions India as a global AI power. For startups, researchers, and industries, it promises vast opportunities in healthcare, governance, and education.
What’s Next: Policy and Infrastructure
The government is preparing a new AI framework, jointly developed by MeitY and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser. This framework will set guidelines for responsible AI development and deployment. With expanded GPU access and stronger cloud infrastructure, the mission is expected to speed up in 2026.
Conclusion
India’s trillion-parameter AI project is more than just a technical challenge it’s a strategic move towards digital independence. With IIT Bombay and seven other firms leading the effort, the IndiaAI Mission marks the beginning of a new era in the country’s technological growth.
