Vijay Shekhar Sharma Urges India to Lead in AI

Paytm Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma characterized artificial intelligence as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for India to establish global technology leadership and expand economic opportunities. On July 29, Sharma stated via X that the technology allows India to build at scale and leapfrog toward higher growth, noting that the Government of India's IndiaAI Mission and semiconductor initiatives are aligned with these goals.

On July 30, speaking at the 22nd J.R.D. Tata Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, Sharma expanded his call for India to develop AI champions who can bring technology to the grassroots and the masses. He identified AI and semiconductors as essential foundations for the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of becoming a developed nation.

Sharma urged businesses and startups to prioritize capability building and national development over existing business models and simple valuations. He argued that companies focusing on nation-building create more enduring value and warned that failing to build for the future would hinder the country's progress.