Sam Altman Says India Has What It Takes to Become a Global AI Leader

He also praised the rapid adoption of AI tools in India, noting that the country now has 100 million weekly active users, the second-highest in the world after the United States. He noted that India has the highest number of students using ChatGPT globally.

Altman also ranks fourth in the number of users of OpenAI's free research and collaboration tool, Prism. "OpenAI is committed to developing AI with and for India. The company has made its tools available for free to increase access to as many people as possible," Altman said.

He identified three priorities: expanding AI education, building computing and energy infrastructure, and integrating AI into everyday tasks. He said, "Infrastructure determines the future." Emphasizing safety, Altman said, "AI will only succeed if people trust it. If AI use is not safe and reliable, its benefits will be limited."

He added, "We will soon announce new partnerships with the Indian government to expand the reach and benefits of AI to more people in the country. AI will shape India's future, and India will define the future of AI. And only a democracy can do this."

Focus on access, use, and capacity is essential. Altman said, "To maximize the benefits of AI, it is essential to focus on access, use, and capacity. Access means ensuring that people and institutions can fully leverage AI. Use means implementing AI effectively in schools, workplaces, and public services, and capacity means giving people the ability and confidence to use AI effectively, enabling them to learn quickly."

He warned that if access to and use of AI is unequal, its benefits will also be unequal. If not handled properly, productivity and economic benefits may be limited to only a few sectors.