A joint publication by ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฎ๐ and ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
As Indiaโs AI ecosystem scales rapidly, the conversation is shifting beyond algorithms and models to the physical infrastructure that sustains them. From data centres and cloud systems to energy, water, and land use, AI growth is increasingly tied to resource-intensive systems that demand careful planning and governance.
This discussion paper examines Indiaโs AI landscape through a systems lens, mapping the full value chain and identifying key gaps in infrastructure, sustainability, and policy coordination. It highlights the need to move from fragmented, capacity-driven expansion toward a more integrated approach that aligns digital growth with environmental and developmental priorities.
What the Paper Examines
- Indiaโs AI value chain and infrastructure ecosystem
- Environmental implications of AI, including energy and water use
- Limitations of current efficiency metrics and the need for broader benchmarks
- Governance and policy challenges in scaling sustainable AI infrastructure
Why This Matters
Indiaโs AI expansion presents both opportunity and risk. While it can drive innovation and economic growth, it also raises critical questions around resource use, infrastructure readiness, and long-term sustainability.
โ How can AI infrastructure scale sustainably in India?
โ What policy frameworks are needed to align growth with environmental goals?
Authors
๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฐ๐๐ฅ
Program Manager, The Dialogue
๐๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก ๐๐๐ง๐ฃ๐ฐ๐๐ง๐ข
Senior Research Associate, The Dialogue
๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ซ๐๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข
Research Consultant, Centre for Climate Change and Energy Transition, Chintan Research Foundation
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ญ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ
Research Analyst, Centre for Economy and Trade, Chintan Research Foundation
๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฌ๐ก ๐๐ก๐๐ค๐๐ซ
Associate Director, Strategy & Research, Lead, Privacy and Data Governance Vertical & AI Vertical, The Dialogue
๐ Download the full publication to explore the roadmap in detail.
