At the India AI Impact Summit, India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEITY) Secretary S. Krishnan emphasized that the focus of national AI efforts should be on tangible societal and economic outcomes rather than simply attracting investment pledges. While funding and capital inflows are important, Krishnan stressed that the real measure of success lies in how artificial intelligence improves people’s lives, drives innovation in key sectors, and delivers measurable impact across the country.
Krishnan highlighted that India is shifting its AI strategy from hype and announcements to real-world applications that solve concrete problems. This includes deploying AI in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, public services, and infrastructure management. The goal is to ensure AI solutions are scalable, inclusive, and address local needs, especially for underserved populations. By keeping the emphasis on results rather than rhetoric, policymakers hope to make technology work for all citizens.
Another key point was the importance of collaboration between government, industry, academia, and startups. Krishnan explained that no single entity can drive AI impact alone; it takes coordinated effort to develop responsible AI systems, share best practices, and build a robust talent pool. Encouraging partnerships that blend public interest goals with technological capabilities is seen as essential to unlocking AI’s full potential in India.
Finally, Krishnan underscored that measurable impact — such as improved service delivery, cost savings, better health outcomes, and increased productivity — should be at the heart of AI initiatives. India’s approach aims to demonstrate that responsible AI use can be a force multiplier for development, not just a platform for investment announcements, and that outcomes-driven strategies can provide a model for other nations pursuing sustainable AI growth.
