In a groundbreaking move, India has announced plans to host China’s DeepSeek AI model on local servers. This decision marks a significant shift in India’s stance on Chinese technology, which has been restricted since 2020 due to national security concerns. The announcement was made by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during an industry conference, where he praised DeepSeek’s progress and highlighted the potential benefits of hosting the AI model domestically.
DeepSeek, known for its cost-effective AI model, has quickly gained popularity, surpassing ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app on the Apple Store. The decision to host DeepSeek in India is contingent on the platform storing and processing all Indian users’ data domestically, aligning with India’s strict data localization requirements. This move aims to address privacy concerns related to cross-border data transfer and ensure that Indian users’ data remains secure.
India’s new AI Compute Facility, equipped with 18,693 graphics processing units (GPUs), will host DeepSeek’s models. The facility offers computing services at significant discounts, making it an attractive option for firms in India. The minister also revealed plans to establish an AI safety institution and develop indigenous AI models, further advancing India’s AI ambitions.
This development comes at a time when DeepSeek’s R1 “reasoning” model has sparked intense debates around copyright issues and U.S. export controls. Despite the controversies, the model’s success has prompted a global reconsideration of AI investment strategies.
India’s decision to host DeepSeek locally is a bold step towards fostering innovation and collaboration in the AI sector. It also underscores the country’s commitment to developing its own AI infrastructure and ensuring data privacy for its citizens.
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