In a surprising turn of events, India’s technological narrative is shifting. No longer are Indian startups seen merely as imitators of Silicon Valley. Now, for the first time, the flow of innovation appears to be reversing. A company named Interaction, based in the U.S., has directly copied Puch AI, an Indian startup. Reports say Interaction raised $15 million after adopting core features pioneered by Puch AI, marking what many are calling a historic reversal in global tech dynamics.
This signals a profound shift: Indian innovation is not just catching up—it’s leading.
Puch AI: A Gateway to Indigenous Intelligence
Puch AI, co-founded in June 2025 by Siddharth Bhatia (National University of Singapore alumnus) and Arjit Jain (IIT Bombay), is being hailed as India’s first true sovereign AI—designed specifically for the Indian context, languages, and user needs.
- Nearly 1 million Indians already use the platform. Notably, 60% of them are first-time AI users interacting in their local languages—a clear sign of vast untapped demand.
- To make itself more accessible, Puch AI even acquired what is called India’s most expensive phone number (9090909090), using WhatsApp as a key interface. This strategy aims to reach billions in a country where WhatsApp is ubiquitous.
Puch AI vs Global Players
Puch AI isn’t just competing—it’s aiming to outperform global giants. Here’s how:
- Meta AI and OpenAI models reach users primarily through standard apps and web interfaces, mostly in English with limited multilingual support.
- Grok (by Elon Musk/X) excels in video generation, but Puch AI differentiates itself with voice-led AI features—including creative outputs like Studio-Ghibli–style stickers and the potential for phone-call–based interactions.
- Its multilingual focus and reliance on platforms like WhatsApp give it a homegrown edge unmatched by major global players.
Rewriting the Narrative: No More “Ice Cream” Chasing
When Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal made his now-infamous remark suggesting Indian entrepreneurs only wanted to make “ice creams,” it reflected a long-held global stereotype—that Indian startups lacked original, high-impact innovation.
Fast forward to today, and that narrative has flipped. Indian tech visionaries are not only building unique solutions, but Silicon Valley is also drawing inspiration from them. Puch AI’s influence in the U.S.—via Interaction—is a clear signal that India is now a source of innovation, not merely a follower.
Bold Moves and Media Buzz
Puch AI co-founder Siddharth Bhatia has gained attention not just for the product but also for his bold personality:
- In a quirky move, he posted a tongue-in-cheek $50 billion offer to acquire Perplexity AI and Google Chrome, despite Puch AI being valued at just around $50 million. He even promised an iPhone to the first person who could convince Perplexity’s CEO.
- Puch AI also launched two coveted remote internships—an AI Engineering Intern and a “Growth Magician”—offering stipends of ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per month, with no degree required. Even 10th graders could apply.
These moves show a startup that’s ambitious, accessible, and unafraid to make headlines.
What This Means for India—and the World
- Global Recognition of Indian Tech: For decades, AI innovation was dominated by the West. Now, India—with Puch AI at the helm—is showing that it has equal or better innovative capacity.
- Massive Reach: Nearly 1 million users, especially first-time AI users in local languages, prove Puch AI is breaking adoption barriers.
- Voice-Driven Future: Using platforms like WhatsApp and phone calls is revolutionary in a country where internet access and literacy vary widely.
- Bold Leadership: From viral internship offers to audacious acquisition jokes, Puch AI’s leadership understands both product and PR.
Final Thought
This is more than just startup success—it’s a powerful statement: Indian founders are not chasing the West anymore. Now, Silicon Valley is learning from India. Piyush Goyal, if you’re reading this—this is what imagination, grit, and local insight can build.
Puch AI didn’t just rewrite the script—it has flipped the story entirely.
