AI: The Next Frontier of India’s Digital Diplomacy
India is uniquely positioned to lead in AI for public good by leveraging its digital infrastructure and vast talent pool. The nation aims to build in-house AI capabilities, fostering public-private partnerships to address local needs across governance, agriculture, healthcare, and financial inclusion.
On April 25, 2024, India captured global attention at the United Nations’ first international conference on Digital Public Infrastructure at the UN headquarters in New York. India’s vision — enabling nation-states to deliver citizen-centric digital public goods — is setting new standards in digital diplomacy. With successful initiatives like Aadhaar and UPI, India’s tech prowess is known globally.
India’s Unique AI Opportunity
Unlike many nations chasing AI purely for commercial or military gains, India can chart a distinct path: AI for public good. By leveraging its strong Digital Public Infrastructure, India can use AI to transform government services, boost public welfare, and tackle societal challenges.
Building In-House Capacity
India has around 4 million software engineers, representing roughly 22% of the global tech workforce. This immense talent pool can be mobilized to create homegrown AI technologies that lessen reliance on Western models. For example, UPI’s success reshaped digital transactions by reducing foreign dependency. Similarly, the approach to AI should prioritize local context, considering India’s rich linguistic diversity.
Forging Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration is key for creating robust AI public goods. Projects like Navlekha with Google focus on digitizing regional languages with AI, and initiatives led by industry leaders aim to develop AI models specifically for India’s languages.
Integrating with Existing Digital Infrastructure
AI applications span multiple sectors:
- Governance: AI aids urban management, including waste collection and traffic optimization.
- Agriculture: AI-driven insights support small farmers through platforms like Kisan AI Chatbot.
- Healthcare: Collaborations are streamlining diagnostics and patient care in rural areas.
- Financial Inclusion: AI-powered tools expand credit access for underserved communities.
- Social Good: AI supports training programs and initiatives targeting nutrition and empowerment.
Becoming a Global Champion for AI Self-Reliance
India’s leadership extends beyond borders, aiming to share expertise in digital public infrastructure and AI innovation with emerging economies.
As the world shifts towards AI, India’s journey is about not just catching up, but pioneering inclusive, ethical solutions that change lives at all levels.
(Shivam, a Partner at Endeavor Capital Management, specializes in early-stage investments across AI, Fintech, and SaaS sectors globally.)
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