THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 19, 2026

In a landmark announcement that signals the next phase of India’s digital transformation, Mukesh Ambani declared that artificial intelligence will soon become as affordable and accessible as mobile data, with Reliance Jio set to connect the nation to what he described as the “Intelligence Era.”

Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, the Reliance Industries Limited Chairman said India cannot depend on “renting intelligence” from abroad and must build sovereign AI capabilities. He emphasised that Jio, which democratised data consumption across the country, will now replicate that model for AI by delivering low-cost, high-speed computing power to citizens, enterprises and institutions.

Ambani announced an ambitious investment plan of ₹10 lakh crore over the next seven years to build a robust AI ecosystem in India. The investment will focus on creating advanced digital infrastructure, strengthening economic resilience and positioning the country as a global AI powerhouse over the coming decades.

At the heart of this strategy is a multi-gigawatt AI-ready data centre park under development in Jamnagar. The facility is expected to commission an initial 120 MW capacity by the end of 2026, with a roadmap to scale up to gigawatt levels. The entire infrastructure will be powered by green energy, aligning with Reliance’s clean energy ambitions. Through its nationwide network, Jio plans to distribute affordable computing capacity that will enable AI services to reach small businesses, retail outlets, schools, hospitals and farms at low cost and high speed.

A key pillar of the initiative is the localisation of AI in Indian languages. Ambani said Jio’s AI platforms will function in multiple regional languages, allowing farmers, students, youth and small entrepreneurs to access AI tools in their mother tongues. The company has prepared sector-specific platforms including JioShiksha AI for education, Jio ArogyaAI for healthcare, JioKrishi for agriculture and JioBharatIQ for general use, all designed to deliver AI-driven assistance in local languages.

Expressing confidence in India’s technological future, Ambani said that if AI is made accessible and developed in line with national needs, the country can emerge as a leading AI power in the 21st century. He indicated that after transforming connectivity, Jio is now moving to build AI as the next national digital infrastructure.

Addressing concerns around job losses, Ambani described AI as a “force multiplier” that will make machines faster, smarter and more efficient while creating new high-skill employment opportunities. He likened AI to a modern “Akshaya Patra” capable of delivering limitless value.

At the start of his address, Ambani praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, stating that AI-led growth will accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. He added that India’s AI model could serve as an inspiration for countries across the Global South, positioning the nation not just as a technology consumer but as a creator of globally relevant digital public infrastructure.