Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday inaugurated Vidya Pratishthan’s Sharad Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) in Baramati, Maharashtra, marking a significant step toward strengthening India’s AI research and skill ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Adani said artificial intelligence has the potential to place intelligence and productivity directly in the hands of ordinary citizens, creating opportunities for youth from all backgrounds to participate in economic growth. He cautioned, however, that leadership in AI cannot be outsourced, as intelligence increasingly shapes economic power and national influence.

“Dependence on foreign algorithms carries risk. Data, decision-making and capability must remain anchored in national interest,” Adani said, underlining the need for indigenous AI models, strong computing capacity and resilient intelligence ecosystems to safeguard India’s economic security and strategic autonomy.

Placing this vision in context, Adani highlighted the growing role of the Adani Group in the global AI ecosystem. The diversified conglomerate is investing heavily in data centres, digital infrastructure and clean energy to support large-scale computing, drawing engagement from global technology leaders such as Google and Microsoft as India emerges as a hub for AI-led growth.

Sharad Pawar, meanwhile, highlighted Adani’s journey from Gujarat’s drought-prone Banaskantha district to building a business presence across 23 states, describing it as an inspiration for the country’s youth.

The centre has been established under the Baramati-based educational trust Vidya Pratishthan, supported by a Rs25 crore contribution from Gautam Adani in 2023. It will focus on AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, governance and industry, with a strong emphasis on academia–industry collaboration.