The Indian government has proposed treating AI as digital public infrastructure instead of proprietary assets, according to a white paper released on December 29 by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, outlining a policy shift to expand access to core AI resources nationwide.
What changed in india AI policy
The white paper states that India should focus less on owning large volumes of hardware.Instead, it urges shared access to core AI resources.These include compute capacity, datasets, and AI models.
The document says these elements now shape innovation and competitiveness.However, it notes that access remains concentrated among global firms and urban centres.As a result, the paper frames access as a policy challenge under India AI policy.
How AI as digital public infrastructure would work
The proposal recommends governing AI building blocks as Digital Public Goods.It also calls for delivery through Digital Public Infrastructure.The approach draws on systems such as Aadhaar and UPI.
Under this model, AI as digital public infrastructure would operate as a shared utility.Resources would remain accessible rather than proprietary.The paper says this would expand use across sectors and regions.
Impact on india AI policy and access
The paper argues that wider access could support innovation beyond major hubs.It highlights public-interest use cases across languages and sectors.Officials say this could reduce entry barriers for startups and researchers.
The proposal also revives the concept of an “AI commons.”First outlined in India’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the idea centres on public-private collaboration.Such a framework could support interoperable and locally relevant datasets.
Supporting frameworks and tools
The paper suggests open or permission-based data repositories.It also mentions subsidised compute through shared cloud platforms.Public model hubs could further widen participation.
According to the document, AI as digital public infrastructure depends on governance frameworks.These must operate alongside investment in physical infrastructure.The paper positions this balance as central to India AI policy execution.
Future policy direction for AI as digital public infrastructure
The white paper does not outline implementation timelines. It signals further policy discussion and coordination across ministries, regulators, and technical bodies. Officials said the next phase will focus on defining governance structures for shared AI resources and clarifying roles between public and private stakeholders. Work will also examine how access mechanisms can balance openness with security, accountability, and data protection. Policymakers are expected to review funding models, eligibility criteria, and oversight processes before rollout. The document suggests that pilot frameworks may emerge first, allowing authorities to test access, interoperability, and safeguards before any wider adoption of the digital public infrastructure approach.
