Staggering token spending is forcing Indian firms to explore ways to rein in AI cost. This is where open-source models, small language models & inference layer startups step in, writes Swathi Moorthy.

OpenAI considers slashing token prices as startups mix AI models to cut costs. Uber burned its 2026 AI budget by Q2, signaling a looming industry price war.

An internal memo to 6,000 employees reveals Meta is heading toward billions in AI costs from internal use alone. Starting in 2027, budgets, allocations, and a central dashboard…