India a Top Global AI Power, Not Second-Tier: Ashwini Vaishnaw at Davos

• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asserted India is in the "first group" of global AI powers, rejecting a second-tier classification at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
• Vaishnaw responded to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva's remarks, who cited India's IT strength but grouped it with countries needing strategic alignment.
• Another panellist placed India in a "second grouping" for AI, suggesting it would need to align with the US or China.
• The Minister countered by stating India's comprehensive AI strategy covers all five layers of AI architecture: application, model, chip, infrastructure, and energy.
• Vaishnaw cited Stanford University's AI Index, which ranks India third globally in AI preparedness and second in AI talent, challenging the IMF's assessment.

Why It Matters: Ashwini Vaishnaw firmly positioned India as a leading global AI power, refuting second-tier classifications at Davos.