New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) India is uniquely equipped to address digital inequality and foster an inclusive evolution in Artificial Intelligence (AI) on a global scale, as highlighted in a recent report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), published on Tuesday.

While the advancement of AI is occurring at an unprecedented rate, disparities in digiital ecosystems across nations, coupled with inadequate connectivity, skills, and infrastructure, are exacerbating inequalities.

The report, which centers on the Asia Pacific region, cautioned that without intentional measures, AI could further widen gaps in income, opportunity, and governance, potentially reversing the progress made in mitigating global inequality.

Nevertheless, it points out that India's robust digital public infrastructure, burgeoning AI research environment, and extensive technology workforce establish a solid groundwork for leveraging AI for public benefit.

“India’s digital capabilities provide it with a competitive edge in creating an AI landscape that benefits all. AI is already enhancing public health, bolstering climate resilience, and facilitating improved services. The critical challenge is to ensure these advancements benefit every segment of society,” stated Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of UNDP India.

“The decisions we make today will dictate whether AI mitigates or exacerbates inequalities. India has the opportunity to lead by ensuring that its advantages extend to rural populations, women, and youth, rather than just those already connected,” she remarked.

The report underscores India’s potential to exemplify how AI can be scaled effectively and inclusively.

India is already leveraging AI to fortify essential public systems. The Aadhaar, recognized as the world’s largest biometric identification system with over 1.3 billion residents, is a prime illustration. It is increasingly being integrated with AI to minimize fraud, enhance targeting, and guarantee that benefits are delivered to the correct households.

Moreover, the nation’s healthcare sector is witnessing a rise in AI applications, particularly in the interpretation of chest X-rays for tuberculosis screening, as well as in combating climate change through predictions of floods and adverse weather conditions.

AI also plays a significant role in India’s agricultural sector, assisting authorities in identifying districts vulnerable to climate change and promoting climate-smart agriculture, alongside enhancing biodiversity through AI-assisted species identification and real-time alerts.

The long-term effects of AI will hinge on the choices made today—particularly regarding investments in digital governance, inclusion, and protective measures, the report emphasized.

It urged “India to persist in leading on a people-first AI approach, concentrating on transparency, equitable access, and the involvement of marginalized communities in the development of AI systems.”

“With appropriate policies, India can help guide the region away from a new phase of inequality and towards an inclusive AI future that furthers the Sustainable Development Goals,” it concluded.