MAM
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
Goafest 2026 registrations now open at early bird rates
South Asia’s top advertising festival returns to Goa in May with fresh ideas and big conversations.
MUMBAI: Goafest is back and this time it’s not just calling for entries, it’s calling for everyone who wants to stay ahead of the creative curve. Delegate registrations for the 19th edition of Goafest, South Asia’s premier festival celebrating creativity and advertising excellence, are now open. Early Bird rates are available until 30 April 2026. The festival will take place from 20 to 22 May 2026 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon. It promises a dynamic line-up of keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities designed to spark fresh perspectives and meaningful industry connections.
Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) president Srinivasan K. Swamy said, “Goafest continues to be a defining platform for the advertising and marketing community, bringing together diverse voices from across the ecosystem.”
Goafest 2026 co-chairman of the organising committee Mohit Joshi added, “Each year, Goafest creates an environment that encourages collaboration and connection across the industry.”
Goafest is co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC). The event has established itself as one of the most anticipated gatherings in the advertising and marketing calendar, offering professionals a space to exchange ideas, learn from leaders and celebrate outstanding work.
In the fast-moving world of creativity, where trends change faster than campaign deadlines, Goafest remains the annual pit-stop where the industry catches its breath, swaps stories and leaves inspired ready to create the next big idea.
