Sarvam's Vivek Raghavan on why sovereign AI is no longer optional

In light of escalating geopolitical tensions and increasing restrictions on advanced AI technologies, Vivek Raghavan, co-founder of Sarvam, asserts that India must prioritize its own AI development rather than relying on foreign companies. In an interview with Business Today following Sarvam's recent Series B funding round, which raised $234 million, Raghavan emphasized that the need for sovereign AI has never been more urgent, particularly as India continues to lag behind global AI leaders. "We can no longer depend on others for our AI future," Raghavan stated, highlighting recent U.S. government restrictions on tech exports and concerns regarding access to essential technologies. He noted that the U.S. and China are currently leading the charge in the AI sector, making it crucial for India to significantly bolster its domestic capabilities. "Both countries are far ahead, so we need to invest heavily to catch up, potentially even more than what we currently allocate," he added. Sarvam's latest funding, primarily driven by HCLTech's $150 million investment, is viewed as a strong endorsement of India's potential to create foundational AI technologies. Raghavan explained that the funds will be utilized for various initiatives including training larger AI models, enhancing inference infrastructure, developing agentic AI capabilities, and expanding the workforce. With over 200 employees, Sarvam aims to attract top global talent to elevate its AI team. "We already have one of the strongest AI teams in the country, but we are eager to bring in world-class talent to enhance our capabilities," he remarked. Additionally, a portion of the funding will focus on acquiring more computing power. Sarvam has secured long-term access to GPUs in anticipation of increasing demand, although Raghavan acknowledged the need for further resources in the future. The collaboration with HCLTech goes beyond just financial support. Raghavan pointed out that having an Indian technology company invest in Sarvam is particularly advantageous as the nation shifts its focus towards sovereign AI. He believes HCLTech’s extensive global reach will facilitate Sarvam's expansion into both domestic and international markets. As Sarvam continues to develop foundational AI platforms, HCLTech will work on creating enterprise solutions that leverage these technologies. Looking forward, Raghavan insists that India must evolve its perspective on AI, viewing it as a critical national asset rather than merely a technological trend. He acknowledged the positive impact of the IndiaAI Mission in supporting Sarvam's efforts to train and open-source its AI models but stressed that more action is necessary. "The IndiaAI Mission is a commendable start, but it is just the beginning," he emphasized. He called for the establishment of robust computing infrastructure and the training of indigenous AI models to ensure that they operate locally, advocating for a strategic approach to AI sovereignty. Raghavan urged policymakers and investors to support a select group of 'national champions' with sufficient funding, warning that reliance on foreign AI platforms could hinder India's progress and control over its data.