India, Jan. 9 -- Artificial intelligence today resembles a high-stakes chessboard rich with opportunity, geopolitical competition and economic recalibrations. AI-led innovations command the majority of venture capital investments of about 51% globally. Investors, companies, even countries want to invest heavily in AI and seek its benefits. But amid this competition something remarkable is underway, a quiet shift is underway. In the race today, the Global South is no longer just a follower; it is redefining the board altogether. And leading this transformation is India confident, ambitious, and emerging as a pivotal force in the AI landscape.

India's AI startup funding rose 50% to $665 million this year, fuelled by surging interest in gen...