'Can't Have Abrupt Cut-Offs': India Seeks AI Self-Reliance As US Tightens Grip On Frontier Models

Published 30 June 2026 · local

'Can't Have Abrupt Cut-Offs': India Seeks AI Self-Reliance As US Tightens Grip On Frontier Models Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 17:55 IST India

'Can't Have Abrupt Cut-Offs': India Seeks AI Self-Reliance As US Tightens Grip On Frontier Models Published By, Last Updated: June 30, 2026, 17:55 IST India is preparing for a future where access to US AI cannot be taken for granted, so it is building its own models while negotiating reliable access with Washington. Rapid Read News18 India is stepping up efforts to develop indigenous artificial intelligence models as the United States reviews how advanced AI technologies should be shared with trusted partners, government sources told ANI on Tuesday. According to the sources, New Delhi is supporting the development of homegrown AI models to reduce dependence on overseas technology while pursuing what it describes as strategic autonomy in critical technologies. The discussions come as India and the US continue high-level engagements to establish a secure and predictable framework for sharing frontier AI technologies.

Sources said Washington is currently undertaking an approval process for advanced AI systems and is considering restrictions before some frontier models are made more widely available, citing concerns over their potential impact on areas such as cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. Earlier, speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Pax Silica Summit in Washington DC, US Under Secretary of Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said the two countries were engaged in sensitive national security discussions on the phased release of advanced AI models. “These are very sensitive national security discussions… our intention is very much to continue a gradual measured approach… in a way that is safe both for ourselves and our Indian counterparts," Helberg said. A key concern for India has been ensuring uninterrupted access to advanced AI technologies. Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S.

Krishnan said India had sought clarity from the US on the long-term availability of frontier AI models, including Anthropic’s Claude, stressing that abrupt disruptions could affect projects built on such technologies. “We sought an understanding of how exactly the US is looking at this particular aspect… because if it is something which is to be used and made available, we can’t have abrupt cut-offs," Krishnan said. The discussions assume significance as India accelerates the adoption of AI across government, industry and digital public infrastructure while simultaneously investing in domestic capabilities spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies and high-performance computing. The concerns also come against the backdrop of export controls announced by the US Commerce Department last month requiring Anthropic to restrict access to its latest AI models for certain foreign nationals. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18.