'AI Is The Focus': Intel's India Play Is Getting Bigger, Says Top Boss Gokul V Subramaniam

At a time when semiconductor manufacturing capabilities are deciding the power dynamics of the global tech world, Intel India President Gokul V Subramaniam has hailed the nation as a great market for chip manufacturing.

In a conversation with NDTV Profit, Subramaniam highlighted that India remains an attractive market for Intel, more so because of the talent pool the country has to offer.

"India's a major talent hub for Intel's AI, semiconductor plans. The country's engineering and innovation talent will be leveraged," Subramaniam said.

"Intel has been in India for 25 years for R&D. It's a great market for Intel," he added.

Intel's presence in India has been largely in the form of research and engineering. The global tech giant entered India back in the 1980s, setting up one of its largest bases outside of the US.

Talking about the role of Intel in India going forward, Subramaniam revealed he is working with the government for the upcoming AI summit.

"We're deploying solutions across cloud, AI, data centres, edge computing in the personal computing space," he said. "We're working with the government for the AI Impact Summit (in February next year). It will be one of the most vibrant summits in the world. Impact of AI will be the focus, not just the promise it brings."

To this date, Intel India teams form a crucial backbone of the company's chip design, validation, software, AI and networking.

However, it must be noted that Intel does not own any semiconductor fab in India. And although the company does sell its Computer Processing Units (CPUs) in India, sales are not the only reason India is a big avenue for Intel.

The Intel India president confirmed the company is working with the government to help democratise AI.

"Intel Global CEO Lip-Bu Tan met PM Modi, who gave impetus to Intel's vision for India. Focus was on democratisation of AI in India," he concluded.