The conversation also explores India’s path towards sovereign AI, including the need for sector-specific Small Language Models (SLMs) for areas such as agriculture, education and healthcare. A key challenge is language: AI must work across India’s diverse linguistic landscape to reach the last mile. Tayal also discusses why India needs more homegrown AI companies, greater access to computing power and stronger AI capabilities in specific sectors rather than simply competing to build the largest language models. The message is clear: AI is here to stay, and India’s workforce needs to prepare.