At the Dataquest Leadership Conclave 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw issued a bold challenge to India’s top tech companies, including Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, to develop India’s own operating system and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. This call to action came in response to a question from CP Gurnani, former CEO of Tech Mahindra, who highlighted the need for India to build its own foundational AI and operating system to ensure technological sovereignty.
Vaishnaw emphasized that India has already demonstrated its software services capabilities, but now is the time for the country to move beyond services and create its own products, including AI models, operating systems, and semiconductor advancements. The government is willing to provide full support to make this happen, including resources, policies, and collaboration with industry leaders.
The need for a sovereign operating system was underscored by Gurnani, who pointed out that the US once stopped Android shipments to China, highlighting the importance of having control over one’s own digital infrastructure. Vaishnaw’s challenge is seen as a defining moment for India’s tech industry, as it will require Indian companies to transition from providing services to developing products, particularly in the areas of OS and AI infrastructure.
If successful, this initiative could lead to India developing its own OS ecosystem, similar to China’s HarmonyOS, and reducing its dependence on global tech giants. It would also position India as a true digital superpower. The question now is whether India’s tech giants, including Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, will take up the challenge and help shape the country’s technological future. The outcome will be closely watched, as it will have significant implications for the country’s economic and strategic goals.