Sarvam Signs Five-Year AI Pact With Defence Ministry’s HQ IDS To Build Tri-Service AI Layer
New Delhi, October 28: AI startup Sarvam has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop AI applications for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The agreement was executed with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), an organisation under the Ministry of Defence, and sets up an umbrella framework for AI projects across the three Services.
A clarification on who signed
The deal was widely reported as being with the Ministry of Defence itself. Sarvam clarified on October 28 that some articles wrongly suggested the MoU was signed with the Ministry, and that it was executed with HQ IDS.
What the MoU covers
The ministry said the two sides will collaborate on AI applications, research, knowledge management, training and decision-support across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Sarvam will design, develop and deploy AI applications for operational, training and decision-support needs, and provide follow-on technical support.
The partnership includes a shared tech platform so that different branches can learn from each other and work better together.
Built in India, on sovereign infrastructure
Sarvam says the AI layer will be built in India and deployed on sovereign infrastructure. The work will be carried out by Chanakya, its firewalled division focused on national security and defence, using its AI stack including foundation models such as Sarvam 105B.
What Sarvam said
Co-founder Pratyush Kumar said the partnership fits the company’s vision of building AI for India’s needs in India, and called working with all three armed forces an honour and a privilege.
What is not yet known
Specific applications, deployment timelines and financial details of the partnership have not been disclosed.
Wider context
Sarvam’s Anvaya platform targets defence and intelligence applications, including on-premise deployments.
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