However, while usage is widespread, control over AI’s core building blocks—compute, models, data, and standards—remains concentrated in a handful of firms and countries. Why India Needs Its Own AI PathThe report strongly argues that India must not become merely a consumer of foreign AI systems. The answer lies in balance: staying open to global innovation while building domestic capability where it matters most. The Case for Bottom-Up, Frugal AIRather than chasing frontier models, the report proposes a bottom-up approach: small, application-specific AI systems tailored to real sectoral needs. By focusing on bottom-up innovation, open systems, and frugal deployment, India can turn AI into a source of dignified employment, resilient growth, and technological sovereignty—without falling into the costly traps of the global AI arms race.