India’s AI Growth Surges Amid Innovation Gaps

India is emerging as a significant player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, now the second-largest contributor to AI-related GitHub projects. The country's AI workforce has seen a remarkable growth rate of 33.4%, leading in hiring among major countries. However, a recent Stanford report highlights India's lag in private investments, patent output, and the creation of globally-recognized AI models, despite a government initiative to enhance AI infrastructure. Entrepreneurs have voiced concerns about a cultural and structural disconnect in India's startup ecosystem, where superficial AI applications often overshadow deeper technological innovation. Critics argue that investors prioritize quick returns, stifling long-term research and development. As the AI sector matures, there is a call for clearer definitions of what constitutes an AI-driven company to ensure genuine innovation.