AI Evolution: Balancing Equity and Opportunity in a Digitally Diverse World

Amitabh Kant, at the India AI Summit 2026, urged for Artificial Intelligence to be grounded in accessibility, affordability, and accountability. He emphasized the role of the Global South in AI development, advocating for multilingual models and Digital Public Infrastructure to prevent inequality and ensure inclusive growth.

At the India AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi, G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant highlighted the need for Artificial Intelligence to evolve underpinned by the principles of accessibility, affordability, and accountability. He cautioned that without a robust framework of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), AI might deepen global inequalities.

Kant pointed out that the Global South, particularly India, plays a crucial role in AI development, contributing more data than the United States. He asserted that for AI to be genuinely inclusive, it must evolve beyond English-centric models to be natively multilingual, thereby benefiting diverse populations.

He drew inspiration from India's successful Digital Public Infrastructure, suggesting a similar model for AI to foster broad-based development. Kant emphasized the need for open-sourced models and private sector participation layered over a digital public identity, ensuring equitable progress. Panelists at the event echoed concerns about massive AI investments potentially consolidating power, urging a focus on transforming lives in the Global South.

(With inputs from agencies.)