Confident that Bengaluru will give India its first foundational AI model: Union defence minister Rajnath Singh

Invest Karnataka

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh on February 11 expressed confidence that Bengaluru will be the birthplace of India’s first foundational AI model.

Speaking at the inauguration of the state’s flagship event—Invest Karnataka 2025—Global Investors Meet at Bengaluru Palace Grounds, he said, “We have moved beyond the era of IT and software and stepped into the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bengaluru laid the foundation for India's software industry.”

“I have immense faith in the talent and innovation of Bengaluru’s youth. Just as this city gave India its software technology foundation, I am confident that, in the near future, Bengaluru will give India its first foundational AI model,” he added.

Addressing an audience of over 5,000 business representatives from across the globe, Singh said, “If there are doubts about India’s future, a visit to Bengaluru will dispel them. The city’s remarkable strides in IT, startups, and revolutionary research are setting the stage for India to lead the world.”

Singh lauded Karnataka’s world-class infrastructure, thriving business ecosystem, and cutting-edge innovation, all of which have transformed the state into a prime destination for global investors.

“Bengaluru, recognized as the nation's technology capital, is emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence, aerospace, and deep-tech talent. The city's youthful energy and ambition, he noted, are spearheading India’s rise on the global stage” he said.

Reflecting on Karnataka’s tremendous growth, Singh remarked, “Karnataka is where knowledge and prosperity converge. Bengaluru’s transformative work in fields such as artificial intelligence and space technology is propelling the country to new heights. Soon, we will see India’s first foundational AI model emerge from here.”

With Karnataka’s robust talent pool and skilled workforce, Singh expressed firm confidence in the state’s continued rise as a global leader in technological innovation. He said that a market-driven economy, supported by strong private entrepreneurship, is key to ensuring a sustainable future for the nation.

"India is rapidly emerging as the world’s largest market, and with Karnataka’s vision and leadership, we are poised to capitalize on this growth," he asserted.

Praising the state’s transition from bureaucratic red tape to a pro-investor environment, Singh highlighted Bengaluru’s pivotal role in India’s progress—especially in the aerospace sector—as further evidence of Karnataka’s significance in shaping the country’s global success.