RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is stepping up efforts to advance inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) development by deepening collaboration with India, according to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, said the partnership is built on the strong foundations of digital economic growth in both countries, creating opportunities to apply AI-driven solutions.

Indonesia’s digital economy is projected to reach a gross merchandise value of around USD 330 billion by 2030, fueled by rapid market expansion and a young demographic. India, meanwhile, is on track to achieve USD 1 trillion in digital economic value by 2030.

“This parallel growth is not just about scale. It represents a shared opportunity to deploy AI solutions that address challenges ranging from financial inclusion to climate resilience,” Nezar said in his remarks at the AI Pre-Summit 2026 in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that the dialogue reflects a concrete step toward reinforcing commitments to sovereign AI, which is increasingly vital amid global geopolitical dynamics, particularly within the spirit of Global South cooperation.

According to Nezar, a nation’s ability to build, regulate, and implement AI using its own data, talent, and infrastructure is key to safeguarding digital autonomy.

He added that AI development requires a broader perspective, not only focusing on software but also on hardware as the driving force. Strengthening the management and utilization of raw materials for the semiconductor industry, he noted, is a strategic necessity.

“Indonesia, with its rich mineral resources, and India, with its ambitious semiconductor mission, are uniquely positioned to build a resilient and integrated supply chain from upstream to downstream,” Nezar explained.

“This collaboration is crucial to securing our technological future and ensuring that Global South nations are not merely consumers, but also producers and innovators of core technologies in the 21st century,” he added.

Nezar also highlighted the close ties between Indonesia and India, which will be further reinforced through cooperation in emerging technologies, particularly in building a robust AI ecosystem.

“We want to strengthen collaboration with India in several areas, most importantly in developing AI infrastructure in Indonesia and fostering strong digital talent partnerships with India,” Nezar said.

The partnership will be further advanced through the Global AI Impacts Summit 2026, to be held in India as the largest representation of the Global South.

India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, said the summit will differ from previous AI forums by focusing on the tangible impacts of AI applications. “The discussions will go beyond how to use AI, exploring how it can improve quality of life and bridge social and economic gaps,” Chakravorty noted.

“This way, AI can truly deliver greater impact. India, as a representative of the Global South, holds an important position as a leader in Asia and globally. The summit is expected to foster multidimensional learning between nations,” he added. ***