India Rejects IMF's 'Second-Tier' AI Ranking, Highlights Comprehensive AI Strategy at Davos

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw rejected the International Monetary Fund's classification of India as a 'second-tier' AI power. Citing Stanford University rankings that place India third globally in AI preparedness and penetration and second in AI talent, Vaishnaw asserted India belongs to the top group of AI nations. He highlighted India's comprehensive AI strategy across five layers—applications, models, chips, infrastructure, and energy—and emphasized practical deployment, domestic innovation, and efforts to democratize AI access. Vaishnaw also outlined India's upcoming AI Impact Summit focused on impact, accessibility, and safety, underscoring the country's growing role as a global AI leader.