New Delhi: At the inaugural India AI Impact Summit 2026, Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), revealed an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming India into a global leader in artificial intelligence. He committed to a staggering ₹10 lakh crore investment over the next seven years to steer the nation into what he termed the “Intelligence Era.”
Ambani’s vision is clear. “India will emerge as one of the greatest AI powers in the world in the 21st century,” he asserted, linking this advancement with his long-term goal of achieving a fully developed nation by 2047. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about reshaping India’s entire socio-economic fabric.
From Internet Era to Intelligence Era
The transformation from data connectivity to AI-powered services marks a significant shift for Jio, which has played a pivotal role in connecting millions to affordable internet over the last decade. “Jio connected India to the Internet Era; Jio will now connect India to the Intelligence Era,” Ambani stated emphatically.
Every citizen, every sector of Indian society stands to benefit from this advancement. The goal? Delivering intelligence across all facets of economic life and governance. “India cannot afford to rent intelligence,” he said, highlighting that just as data costs have plummeted thanks to Jio’s efforts, so too will costs related to accessing intelligent services.
A Strategic Investment Plan
The ₹10 lakh crore commitment isn’t merely speculative — it’s a well-planned initiative designed for national prosperity. “This isn’t speculative investment to chase valuation…this is disciplined nation-building capital designed to create durable economic value and strategic resilience for decades,” Ambani remarked.
Sovereign Compute Infrastructure on the Horizon
Part of this extensive plan involves creating robust compute infrastructure through several large-scale initiatives. Construction has already begun on AI-ready data centers located in Jamnagar, with more than 120 megawatts expected online later this year.
This project won’t run on traditional power sources either; Reliance plans to harness its existing surplus of green energy—amounting to 10 gigawatts—from solar installations scattered across Kutch and Andhra Pradesh. It’s about sustainability as much as technology.
Moreover, Jio intends to establish a nationwide edge-compute network that brings low-latency AI services close enough for everyday use — where people live, learn, and work.
AI: A Modern-Day Akshaya Patra
Ambani drew an interesting comparison between artificial intelligence and ancient mythology while speaking at the summit. He likened AI’s potential benefits for society to that of Akshaya Patra from Mahabharata—a vessel that provided limitless nourishment in times of need.