India to Host DeepSeek AI Model on Local Servers to Strengthen Data Security, Says Union IT Minister

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that DeepSeek, a widely used Chinese open-source AI model, will soon be hosted on Indian servers to enhance data privacy and compliance with local regulations. The move is part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen its AI infrastructure and address security concerns, Moneycontrol reported.

Speaking at the IndiaAI Mission event, Vaishnaw highlighted that hosting open-source AI models within India would ensure better control over data and align with national security protocols. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny from Western nations, including the United States, over the security implications of DeepSeek’s Chinese origins.

India is also making significant strides in AI computing capabilities, with the government securing 18,000 GPUs to support the development of a Large Language Model (LLM) tailored for India. Vaishnaw emphasized that these models would remain open and application-driven, with an emphasis on efficient resource utilization.

To ensure affordability, India’s AI Compute Facility will provide subsidized access for four years, bringing costs below $1 per unit. Leading data center companies, including Jio Platforms, CtrlS Datacenters, Locuz Enterprise Solutions, E2E Networks, and NxtGen DataCenter, will supply GPUs to power the initiative.

Vaishnaw also revealed that global chip designers are showing interest in partnering with India to develop indigenous GPUs, marking a major step toward self-reliance in AI and semiconductor technologies. Further announcements on this front are expected in the coming weeks.

Source: Business Standard