India is fast becoming a global hotspot for Generative AI (Gen-AI) and Agentic AI, as homegrown startups launch innovative models tailored for the country’s scale, language diversity, and digital-first population. With deep backing from tech giants, the government, and VCs, this trend is now more than a buzzword—it’s reshaping how Indians interact with machines.
What Is Agentic AI?
Unlike standard Gen-AI, Agentic AI systems aren’t just conversational—they act. These tools go beyond generating text or images; they autonomously plan, decide, and execute tasks on behalf of users. Think AI agents that book your cab, write your emails, pay bills, or even run your marketing campaigns—without manual input.
India’s Key Agentic AI Moves
1. Krutrim Launches “Kruti” – India’s First Agentic AI Assistant
In June 2025, Ola-backed AI startup Krutrim launched “Kruti”, a multilingual agentic assistant that speaks 13 Indian languages. It can:
- Book cabs, pay bills, send emails
- Pull information from government portals
- Work with apps like Paytm, WhatsApp, and Gmail
- Assist in sectors like telemedicine, education, and logistics
Krutrim also runs its own LLM (Large Language Model) trained on Indian datasets, making it better suited for local contexts than foreign tools like ChatGPT or Gemini.
“This is the start of India’s real AI revolution—one that speaks our language and works for Bharat,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, founder of Ola and Krutrim.
2. Sarvam AI Powers India’s Sovereign LLM Ambitions
Sarvam AI, backed by Lightspeed and Khosla Ventures, is building India’s first sovereign Indic LLM. The company is part of the IndiaAI Mission and has access to government-backed GPUs, datasets, and compute infrastructure via partnerships with MeitY.
Their models are being trained on:
- Legal, agricultural, and healthcare data
- Multiple Indian languages and dialects
- Edge use cases for mobile-first, low-resource devices
This is a key move in ensuring data sovereignty and AI independence from Western models.
🔍 Why This Is Big for India
| Opportunity | Impact |
|---|---|
| Multilingual AI | Serves over 1B Indians in Tier-2/3 cities with native-language support |
| Task Automation | Cuts down manual work for MSMEs, freelancers, and government staff |
| Affordable AI | Agentic AI can work on basic devices with low compute needs |
| Data Sovereignty | Ensures Indian data stays in India, trained on Indian context |
VC & Government Support
- IndiaAI Mission has committed ₹10,000+ crore in GPU infrastructure, training centers, and compute availability.
- Krutrim raised $50M at a $1B valuation earlier in 2024.
- Sarvam AI raised $41M in Series A, the highest-ever for an Indian AI infra startup.
- IndusGPT, Hanooman, and KissanAI are newer entrants building domain-specific Gen-AI tools (legal, farming, health).
India’s Competitive Advantage
India has a huge linguistic market, mobile-first user base, and startup agility. Its Gen-AI systems aren’t aimed at entertainment or Western enterprise use cases—they’re built to:
- File GST
- Automate HR compliance
- Help farmers analyze crop data
- Enable vernacular edtech tutoring
- Make UPI payments via voice
This “applied AI” approach is more practical and scalable for Bharat than high-end AGI experiments.
What’s Next?
- AI Agents for MSMEs: SaaS bots that manage accounting, CRM, and payroll for small businesses.
- Voice + Action UX: Apps where talking is the interface—and execution is automated.
- Agent App Stores: Think of downloadable AI assistants for every task—tailored to professions, languages, and industries.
- Public Infrastructure: IndiaAI will soon roll out open-source LLMs, fine-tuning hubs, and datasets for developers.
Final Thought
India’s Gen-AI wave isn’t just catching up—it’s building a parallel, locally optimized intelligence economy. With powerful tools like Kruti and Sarvam LLM, the agentic AI movement is putting actionable intelligence in the hands of every Indian—in their language, on their phone, for their life.