India is poised to play a defining role in the global artificial intelligence revolution, according to Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, in a recent interaction with NDTV. Highlighting India’s strong technology ecosystem, vast talent pool, and growing digital infrastructure, Wales emphasized that the country has the capacity to emerge as a major force in shaping the future of AI.
Wales noted that India’s strength lies not only in its software engineering talent but also in its rapidly expanding startup ecosystem. With millions of developers, world-class technical institutions, and increasing government focus on digital transformation, India is uniquely positioned to build scalable AI-driven solutions for both domestic and global markets.
He further pointed out that responsible AI development will be critical in the coming years. As AI tools become more integrated into education, research, and content creation, questions around transparency, bias, and misinformation will require thoughtful regulation and ethical frameworks. India, with its democratic structure and vibrant public discourse, can contribute meaningfully to setting global standards in ethical AI governance.
Wales also stressed the importance of open knowledge platforms in the AI era. As AI systems increasingly rely on large datasets for training, maintaining credible, community-driven information sources will become even more vital. Platforms built on collaborative principles, similar to Wikipedia’s model, will continue to play an essential role in ensuring information accuracy and accessibility.
India’s push toward AI adoption across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and financial services further strengthens its position. From language models tailored to regional languages to AI-powered governance solutions, the country’s diverse market offers a real-world testing ground for innovation at scale.
As global competition intensifies in the AI domain, Jimmy Wales’ remarks underscore a broader recognition: India is not just a participant but a potential leader in defining the next chapter of artificial intelligence development.