EY India calls on the Indian government to accelerate the release of public‑sector data, enabling the creation of a culturally‑rooted sovereign AI that reflects the nation’s linguistic and societal nuances. The firm argues that open data is essential for building AI models that avoid Western bias and support India’s strategic AI ambitions.
Why Government Data Is Critical for a Culturally‑Rooted AI
Access to high‑quality domestic datasets allows AI developers to train models on language patterns, cultural references, and regulatory contexts unique to India. Without this foundation, AI systems rely on global models trained primarily on Western data, which can perpetuate bias and limit relevance for Indian users.
Key Benefits of an Indian Sovereign AI Model
- Comprehensive language coverage across 22 officially recognised languages and hundreds of dialects.
- Enhanced public‑service delivery in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education through context‑specific insights.
- Reduced dependence on foreign AI platforms, mitigating strategic risks related to data localisation, intellectual‑property disputes, and algorithmic bias.
Challenges and Safeguards for Data Release
Balancing openness with privacy is essential. The Personal Data Protection Bill mandates strict consent and security standards, requiring clear frameworks that enable safe data sharing while protecting citizen rights. EY emphasizes the urgency of establishing these safeguards to unlock the full potential of sovereign AI.
Strategic Timing Ahead of the AI Impact Summit
The upcoming AI Impact Summit will showcase India’s first sovereign AI model, providing a platform for policy dialogue and international collaboration. Positioning data availability as a prerequisite for model deployment aims to influence summit discussions and accelerate the nation’s AI roadmap.
Conclusion: Data Transparency as the Foundation of India’s AI Future
By unlocking public data assets, India can build AI systems that are culturally resonant, technically robust, and strategically independent. EY’s call for data transparency underscores its role as the cornerstone of a sovereign AI strategy that aligns technological ambition with indigenous cultural foundations.
