The AI race is fast turning into a battle of deep pockets. The US is pouring billions into frontier models, advanced chips and data centres, while China is building competing capabilities. India, meanwhile, risks being left behind in the most capital-intensive phase of the tech revolution.
Does missing the first phase mean missing the entire opportunity? History suggests otherwise. India missed much of the manufacturing boom that transformed East Asia. It still built a globally competitive ITeS industry during the same period. AI could offer a similar second chance - provided India plays to its strengths.
