Hyderabad: IndiaAI, under MeitY and in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, hosted the “Inclusion for Social Empowerment” Working Group meeting at the IITH campus on Friday. The event brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss inclusive AI development and equal access to AI opportunities.
Towards equitable AI: Experts stress inclusion, responsibility, and access
This session is part of a national series leading up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 16–20 in New Delhi.
Key speakers included Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra; Ambassador Thomas Schneider from Switzerland; Prof. B.S. Murty, Director of IITH; and senior officials from MeitY and the Telangana government.
Prof. Murty emphasized the need for an interdisciplinary approach to AI. He said AI must combine engineering, science, and liberal arts to create solutions that improve lives. Dr. Nalin Srivastava from MeitY stressed that inclusion and equity are not optional but central to AI adoption. “AI is not just tech—it’s a moral responsibility,” he noted.
Rajesh Aggarwal highlighted India’s seven-pillar AI strategy, which includes social empowerment. He said India should add an AI layer to its strong digital infrastructure to reduce inequality. “AI must help everyone, not just the privileged few,” he added.
Ambassador Thomas Schneider stressed the need for global cooperation. He said AI must support sustainable development and human rights. “We must ensure AI respects dignity and leaves no one behind,” he stated.
Insights from this meeting will shape the agenda for the India AI Impact Summit. The government aims to build a responsible, inclusive, and people-first AI ecosystem under the IndiaAI Mission, aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.