In a post on the social media platform X, Sikka shared that their conversation focused on the impact of emerging AI technologies on India.
“It was a privilege to meet the Hon. Prime Minister Sh. @narendramodi for a detailed and wide-ranging discussion on AI, its impact on India, and several imperatives for the future. I left the meeting inspired and humbled by his extraordinary understanding of technology’s influence on society and how its use, guided by democratic values, can uplift everyone,” Sikka wrote.
Responding to Sikka’s remarks, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to leading the AI space and utilizing the technology to drive innovation and create opportunities for the country’s youth.
“It was an insightful interaction indeed. India is committed to taking the lead in AI, focusing on innovation and creating opportunities for the youth,” PM Modi stated on X.
Vishal Sikka’s Journey
An alumnus of Stanford University, Vishal Sikka made history in 2015 when he became the first non-founder CEO and Managing Director of Infosys, one of India’s largest IT firms. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2018 amid reports of a fallout with Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. At the time, Sikka cited “baseless, malicious, and increasingly personal attacks” as the reason for his resignation.
In 2019, Sikka launched Vianai Systems, a Palo Alto-based startup focused on human-centered AI platforms and products designed for enterprise use cases.
Artificial Intelligence Leadership and India’s Vision
Sikka is the second prominent AI entrepreneur to meet PM Modi in recent weeks. In December 2024, Modi also engaged with Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of the AI-powered search engine Perplexity, to discuss AI adoption in India and globally.
These high-profile meetings align with the Indian government’s ongoing efforts to bolster AI adoption and innovation. Last year, the Union Cabinet approved the INR 10,372 crore IndiaAI Mission, aimed at fostering the country’s AI ecosystem and providing funding for emerging AI startups.
India’s Growing AI Landscape
According to data from Inc42, India is home to over 200 generative AI (GenAI) startups, which collectively raised more than $1.2 billion in funding between 2020 and 2024. The GenAI market in India is projected to grow into a $17 billion opportunity by 2030, highlighting the country’s potential as a global AI hub.
With strategic initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and high-profile collaborations, India is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI technology and its applications worldwide.
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