Bill Gates: India is taking the right approach to AI despite US-China dominance

Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates said that while the United States and China lead AI advancements, India is making significant progress by focusing on practical applications rather than just building foundational models.

Speaking at the Express Adda organised by The Indian Express newspaper, Gates remarked, “Intelligence is sacred, and through AI, we are able to solve unbelievably complex problems.” He emphasised that no nation is truly lagging, given the open-source nature of much AI development.

He also highlighted the importance of investing in data centres and semiconductor fabrication. Gates suggested that India can develop a competitive chip manufacturing industry without relying heavily on financial aid or subsidies. “If India can be competitive, it is not worth subsidising a chip industry; I just don’t think it’s worthwhile. The reason India should get into chip manufacturing is that they’ll be able to be competitive,” he stated.


Addressing concerns about the energy demands of AI, Gates acknowledged uncertainties regarding the electricity required to operate AI systems. He noted that current AI models are approximately 10,000 times less efficient at cognition than the human brain, indicating potential for significant improvements in energy efficiency.

Gates also commended India’s progress in renewable energy and innovation, citing advancements in diagnostics, agriculture, and biofertilisers as evidence of the country’s growing role in global innovation.