Indian-born CEO Aravind Srinivas discusses AI adoption with Prime Minister, offers access to Perplexity Pro for Indian academia
In a significant development highlighting India’s growing prominence in the global artificial intelligence landscape, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, engaging in what both parties described as a productive discussion about AI’s future in India and worldwide.
The meeting, which garnered substantial attention on social media, comes at a crucial time when India is positioning itself as a potential leader in AI innovation and development. Srinivas, who leads one of the emerging players in the AI search and analysis space, shared details of the encounter on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the Prime Minister’s keen interest in artificial intelligence.
“Had the honor to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and across the world. Really inspired by Modi Ji’s dedication to stay updated on the topic and his remarkable vision for the future,” Srinivas wrote in his social media post, which promptly received a response from the Prime Minister himself.
Strategic Implications for India’s AI Ecosystem
The meeting carries significant weight for India’s technological aspirations, particularly in the AI sector. Modi’s administration has consistently emphasized the importance of positioning India as a global AI hub, with initiatives already underway to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and foster innovation in emerging technologies.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director of the Digital Technology Policy Institute in Bangalore, explains, “This meeting symbolizes more than just a casual interaction. It represents India’s serious intent to collaborate with global AI leaders while nurturing its own technological ecosystem. The government’s engagement with companies like Perplexity AI could pave the way for more substantial partnerships in the future.”
Perplexity’s Proposition for Indian Academia
During the interaction, Srinivas made a notable proposition that could significantly impact India’s academic and research community. The CEO expressed interest in establishing an economic framework to provide Perplexity Pro access to Indian students, faculty, and researchers. This offer comes in response to the government’s recent initiative to provide access to 13,000 academic journals for Indian academia.
“If @narendramodi ji is interested, I would be down to figuring out an economic structure where all Indian students, faculty and researchers can get Perplexity Pro,” Srinivas stated in a separate social media post.
Industry Impact and Market Response
The meeting has generated considerable buzz within India’s startup ecosystem. According to recent data from the IT Ministry, India’s AI industry is projected to reach $7.8 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 20.2%. The country currently hosts over 1,900 AI startups, with major clusters in Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai.
Venture capitalist Priya Mehta of TechFund Ventures notes, “This meeting sends a strong signal to global investors about India’s commitment to AI development. We’re already seeing increased interest from international funds looking to invest in Indian AI startups.”
Social Media Reaction and Authenticity Discourse
Interestingly, the meeting sparked a unique discourse on social media, with some users playfully questioning whether the images shared were AI-generated – a testament to the advancing capabilities of AI technology. “This image looks real but we know you have generated it via Perplexity Pro,” commented one user, while others urged Perplexity to consider establishing a base in India.
Looking Ahead
The meeting between Srinivas and Modi represents a crucial step in strengthening India’s position in the global AI landscape. With the government’s push for digital transformation and companies like Perplexity AI showing interest in the Indian market, the country appears well-positioned to capitalize on the AI revolution.
