India’s AI Future Hinges on Data Quality, Not Models: EY Partner

Alexy Thomas, a partner at EY, said the country's ability to link data across sectors and ensure its reliability will be the decisive factor in how far artificial intelligence can advance. He made the remarks during a panel discussion on the future of AI in India, where he argued that models are becoming commoditized while data remains the differentiator.

Thomas pointed to fragmented data systems in government and industry as a major hurdle. Without interoperable datasets, he said, even the most sophisticated algorithms will produce limited results. He urged organizations to invest in data governance and quality frameworks before scaling AI projects.

The EY partner also stressed the importance of trust in data, noting that biased or incomplete information can lead to flawed outcomes. He called for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to build shared data infrastructure that supports innovation while protecting privacy.

Thomas's comments come as India pushes to become a global AI hub, with initiatives like the National AI Mission and increased funding for research. However, he cautioned that technological progress will stall unless the underlying data ecosystem is strengthened.

He concluded that India's advantage lies in its vast and diverse data pool, but only if it is connected and curated properly. "The future belongs to those who can turn raw data into reliable intelligence," he said.