Economic Survey Redefines AI as Strategy, Not Race

The Economic Survey, presented in Parliament on January 29, 2026, advocates for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be treated as an economic strategy rather than a competitive technology race. It strongly recommends a bottom-up, multi-sector-specific approach, grounded in open and interoperable systems to foster collaboration and shared innovation.

Technology firms are keenly awaiting the Union Budget 2026-27, expected to prioritize the development of India's AI ecosystem. This includes fostering innovation, enhancing digital infrastructure across various sectors, and injecting market liquidity to encourage AI adoption.

Industry leaders like CP Gurnani view India's AI momentum positively, highlighting its talent and data assets. He emphasized leveraging engineering strengths for affordable, human-centric AI solutions tailored for local challenges before global scaling. Suryansh Jalan of FarEye stressed the need for improved reliability and global competitiveness in logistics, prioritizing autonomous orchestration and interoperable digital workflows.

GlobalLogic's Piyush Jha sees the budget as an opportunity to transition from digital-first to intelligence-first infrastructure, scaling AI into the physical world. Lumina Datamatics' Sameer Kanodia anticipates a focus on strengthening AI-led infrastructure for knowledge services and e-commerce. Semiconductor firms, through IESA's Ashok Chandak, are looking for continuity and execution certainty in policies like the India Semiconductor Mission.

Telecom gear maker HFCL, represented by Mahendra Nahata, expects measures to convert telecom infrastructure advantages into technological leadership, proposing an Innovation-Linked Incentive for R&D in 6G, AI, and Defence Technologies.