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India backs global AI while building its own, says MeitY secretary
NEW DELHI: India is keeping its AI doors wide open, but it is also busy building a strong home base. That was the message from S Krishnan, secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, on the “IndiaAI in Action” podcast by the Startup Policy Forum.
“We are not a closed economy,” Krishnan said, adding that India welcomes global investors and cutting-edge technology. At the same time, he said the government is determined to build serious capability within the country, starting from the ground up. The aim is simple, what is made in India should stand tall in the global marketplace, and should be built while competing with the very best.
Krishnan pushed back against the idea that the government is tilting the field too heavily in favour of domestic players. Instead, he described a strategy that blends openness with smart incentives. Compute infrastructure located in India receives lower rates and subsidies, helping data remain sovereign and giving startups a fair shot. Indian companies will also gain access to Indian datasets, creating space for innovation that reflects both global ambition and local realities.
According to Krishnan, this balanced approach mirrors the early days of India’s IT revolution, where strong infrastructure powered breakthrough growth. “We are working on building the best infrastructure and the best models in India,” he said in conversation with Startup Policy Forum president and CEO Shweta Rajpal Kohli.
India, he added, has not been slow to adopt AI. “We now have more than 38,000 GPUs on offer. It is not that we are denying anybody the resources,” he noted.
On regulation, Krishnan described a watchful but pro-innovation stance. The government is ready to legislate if needed, but its current priority is enabling progress. He cited the prime minister’s view that India should approach AI with optimism, focusing on productivity and growth rather than fear.
The “IndiaAI in Action” series, created with the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission, spotlights how Indian startups are using AI in sectors from fintech to healthcare. It also sets the stage for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where global leaders will gather to shape the future of responsible and inclusive AI.
MAM
G-Shock launches GA-2100CM series with camouflage design
New sand and grey variants priced at Rs 10,995 each in India.
MUMBAI: Time just got a little more tactical and a lot more stylish. G-Shock has unveiled the GA-2100CM series, a fresh update to its popular GA-2100 line, bringing a camouflage twist to one of its most recognisable silhouettes. For the first time in the 2100 series, the watches feature G-Shock’s original camouflage pattern, subtly embedding the brand’s signature ‘G’ motif into the design. The move signals a shift towards more design-led storytelling, blending rugged functionality with fashion-forward detailing.
The new series introduces two colour variants sand (GA-2100CM-5A) and grey (GA-2100CM-8A) extending the model’s appeal across both streetwear and outdoor-inspired aesthetics. Built around the brand’s signature octagonal bezel and hybrid analogue-digital display, the watches retain a clean, modern look while adding layered visual depth.
Under the hood, the GA-2100CM continues to lean on performance. It features the Carbon Core Guard structure for durability, while maintaining a slim, lightweight profile suited for everyday wear. Functional elements include world time across 31 time zones, a 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, LED light and 200-metre water resistance.
In line with evolving material choices, select components use bio-based resin, pointing to a gradual shift towards more sustainable design without compromising on toughness.
Priced at Rs 10,995, the GA-2100CM series is available across Casio India stores and online platforms.
As watch brands continue to balance utility with identity, G-Shock’s latest drop makes its intent clear, durability may be the legacy, but design is the new frontier.
