India Has Become More Competitive and Responsive, Says Google X Co-Founder Sebastian Thrun

Bengaluru | June 5, 2026

Sebastian Thrun, co-founder of Google X and a globally recognised artificial intelligence expert, has said that India today is far more capable, competitive and responsive than it was two decades ago, highlighting the country’s transformation into a rapidly evolving global technology and innovation hub.

Speaking during an interaction on India’s technology growth and AI ecosystem, Thrun remarked that India around 20 years ago was “much more corrupt” and less prepared to react effectively as a global marketplace. He said the country has undergone significant changes over the years, especially in governance, digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship, enabling it to emerge as an important player in the global technology sector.

Thrun, who also founded online learning platform Udacity, noted that India’s growing startup ecosystem, digital public infrastructure and skilled talent pool are contributing to the country’s rising influence in artificial intelligence and advanced technology development. However, he added that India still has considerable ground to cover before matching the technological scale and AI capabilities of countries such as the United States and China.

The AI pioneer stressed that the pace of technological adoption in India has accelerated significantly in recent years, driven by stronger internet penetration, digital payments, innovation-led policymaking and increasing participation from global technology companies. He also pointed to India’s ability to adapt quickly to global market demands as a major strength.

Thrun’s comments come amid growing international interest in India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem, semiconductor ambitions and digital economy initiatives. Several global technology firms have expanded operations in India over the past few years, viewing the country as a major market for innovation, research and talent development.

Industry experts believe India’s expanding digital ecosystem, combined with government-backed technology initiatives and rising private investment, could help position the country as one of the world’s leading AI and technology-driven economies over the coming decade.

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