The government is focusing on expanding AI adoption across agriculture, healthcare and education while advancing semiconductor manufacturing and plans for an indigenous GPU chip.
India is working towards becoming the world's artificial intelligence (AI) application capital, with a focus on developing and deploying AI-powered solutions across key sectors, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on November 6, 2026, Vaishnaw outlined the government's focus on expanding AI adoption in agriculture, healthcare and education, while encouraging the development of applications capable of addressing large-scale operational and service delivery requirements.
The minister said Indian industries are making progress in developing AI-based applications, reflecting the country's efforts to strengthen its position in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.
His remarks came amid concerns over the future of global AI investments following a decline in technology stocks. Responding to questions about market uncertainty, Vaishnaw acknowledged that the AI industry is undergoing rapid technological changes.
He maintained that India's approach remains centred on developing practical AI applications across sectors rather than focusing solely on broader market fluctuations.
The government's emphasis on AI applications comes as businesses and public institutions explore how the technology can be incorporated into existing systems and processes.
In agriculture, AI applications can support activities such as crop monitoring, agricultural advisory services and data-driven decision-making. In healthcare, potential uses include diagnostic assistance, medical data analysis and administrative automation.
Similarly, educational institutions are exploring AI-based learning tools, personalised educational content and digital platforms to support students and teachers.
These applications represent potential areas for adoption, although the minister did not announce specific deployment targets or investment commitments for the sectors during his remarks.
Vaishnaw was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the Semicon 2.0 Web Application Portal, an initiative intended to support applications under India's semiconductor development programme.
According to the minister, the portal has been designed to accept only complete applications, with the objective of ensuring that participating organisations meet the required submission criteria.
He also said the government is finalising a roadmap for developing an indigenous Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) chip, a component widely used in AI computing and high-performance data processing.
The proposed roadmap forms part of India's broader efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor capabilities and reduce dependence on imported computing technologies.
Vaishnaw further announced that the government would begin accepting applications under the second, third and fourth pillars of its semiconductor programme.
The initiative is intended to support the country's semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem alongside its expanding AI ambitions.
While the government has outlined its priorities for AI adoption and domestic chip development, timelines for the indigenous GPU roadmap and measurable targets for AI application deployment were not disclosed.
The announcements highlight India's parallel focus on expanding the use of artificial intelligence across industries and developing the computing infrastructure required to support future technology adoption.
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