India's capacity to develop and implement AI solutions on a global scale presents a considerable opportunity to enhance productivity, generate employment, and stimulate innovation across various sectors, according to Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S Krishnan. Speaking at the curtain-raiser of the 'AI for Social Impact' thematic track at the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, Krishnan emphasized the critical role of widespread technology adoption, particularly AI, in realizing the country's objective of becoming a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. The aim is to ensure that all societal segments benefit from these technological advancements.
Krishnan highlighted India's technological capabilities, emphasizing the potential to create and deploy AI applications not only within India but also internationally. This deployment, he noted, would ensure that the advantages of AI, such as improved productivity and efficiency, are realized globally. He believes that capitalizing on this opportunity will lead to the creation of new jobs, novel applications, and an overall enhancement in the quality of services and products.
With the right implementation, AI can significantly improve outcomes in key sectors like agriculture and healthcare, leading to increased productivity, better service quality, and greater efficiency. Krishnan also stressed the importance of inclusivity, advocating for mechanisms that ensure access to and benefit from technology across all societal strata, thereby making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Furthermore, Krishnan addressed concerns about AI's impact on job security, assuring that AI adoption in India is being carefully coordinated with workforce development and skill-building initiatives. He views AI not as a threat but as an opportunity to boost productivity across crucial sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. While AI may change the nature of work, it is also expected to create new roles requiring different skill sets, ultimately contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Krishnan emphasized the need to train Indian youth in STEM fields and to develop AI foundation models tailored to India's unique needs, including support for local languages and solutions addressing regional and sector-specific challenges. This approach aligns with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's (MeitY) broader vision of ensuring that AI in India is inclusive, sustainable, and empowering for the nation's diverse population.
Moreover, Krishnan touched upon the importance of developing AI policies in India that strike a balance between innovation and ethics, regulation, and accountability. As the Indian economy continues to embrace AI adoption, the government is proactively shaping a future where AI and employment can coexist, with investments in digital infrastructure, upskilling, and locally relevant AI solutions. India aims to lead in responsible AI deployment, protecting jobs while fostering a technologically advanced and resilient economy.
