No Clear Decision on DeepSeek Ban, Says EAM Jaishankar
India’s Stance on the Chinese AI Platform DeepSeek
Current Government Position
At the recent 9th Carnegie Global Tech Summit, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed questions regarding the Chinese AI platform, DeepSeek. When asked whether the government is contemplating a ban on DeepSeek similar to the prohibition of the app TikTok, Jaishankar chose not to provide a direct answer. Instead, he stated, "I will be deeply evasive about the answer. My honest answer is, I don’t think at this time there is any determination." His remarks underscore that the government currently does not have a definitive plan regarding DeepSeek.
Judicial Perspective on DeepSeek
Earlier, on February 25, the Delhi High Court declined to expedite a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that demanded the blocking of DeepSeek in India. The Chief Justice of Delhi noted that users can choose not to use platforms they feel pose a threat. He emphasized that if the platform is considered harmful, users are not obligated to access it. Consequently, there was no basis to consider the urgency of the hearing, leading to the court’s decision against an immediate review.
The timeline of the case reflects a careful judicial process. On February 12, the court requested the Union government’s counsel to provide instructions on this issue. Although it was revisited on February 20, it was postponed due to scheduling conflicts, with the next hearing set for April 16.
Government Initiatives in AI
In light of rising concerns about foreign AI technologies, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced that India plans to launch its foundational artificial intelligence model in approximately ten months. This model will be developed on Indian servers, providing a domestic alternative to platforms like DeepSeek.
Vaishnaw highlighted that India’s AI mission, approved last year, received substantial backing with an allocation of around ₹10,000 crore. This financial support aims to enhance the nation’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and create a competitive edge in the global tech landscape.
Growing Competition in the AI Sector
China’s DeepSeek has emerged as a prominent player in the global AI arena, posing challenges to other nations. The Indian government is accordingly inclined to develop its own infrastructure and resources in artificial intelligence. This effort reflects a broader strategy to ensure cybersecurity and digital sovereignty amid concerns over reliance on foreign technology, especially from nations like China.
Summary of Developments
- India remains cautious regarding DeepSeek, with no decision on banning the platform yet.
- The Delhi High Court has refrained from advancing urgent hearings concerning DeepSeek.
- The government is focusing on developing its AI capabilities with plans to introduce a homegrown AI model soon.
- A significant budget has been allocated to bolster India’s artificial intelligence initiatives, indicating a long-term vision for digital advancement.
By keeping pace with global developments and investing in indigenous technologies, the Indian government aims to ensure that it is well-prepared to handle the complexities presented by foreign AI solutions while promoting local innovations.
