How Did PM Modi React to the Sarvam AI Demo on HMD Feature Phones at India AI Impact Summit 2026?
Synopsis
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, HMD India joined forces with Sarvam AI to revolutionize feature phones with advanced AI. This collaboration aims to make AI accessible to millions, including non-smartphone users. A live demo showcased the power of on-device AI, impressing Prime Minister Modi and emphasizing India's commitment to inclusive technology.
Key Takeaways
Collaboration with Sarvam AI to enhance AI accessibility.
AI features to be integrated into Nokia feature phones.
Live demonstration showcased impressive AI capabilities.
Focus on inclusive technology for non-smartphone users.
Partnership aligns with India's linguistic diversity .
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) In a significant effort to enhance the accessibility of Artificial Intelligence to a broader audience, HMD India announced on Thursday a strategic collaboration with the Indian AI startup Sarvam AI during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in the capital.
This partnership aims to incorporate the Sarvam Personal Assistant into Nokia feature phones and HMD devices, enabling advanced AI functionalities for millions of users across India, particularly for those who do not own smartphones.
According to Ravi Kunwar, Vice President and CEO of HMD India and APAC, witnessing Sarvam showcase its homegrown AI capabilities on our feature phone in front of the Prime Minister was a moment of immense pride for the company.
“Our collaboration with Sarvam signifies a crucial step in our mission to democratize AI, ensuring that intelligent, localized, and intuitive AI experiences are available not just to smartphone users but also to countless feature phone consumers,” Kunwar remarked.
He also mentioned that the company plans to introduce the AI-enhanced features across various feature phone models in the upcoming months.
This initiative is set to make AI truly inclusive and accessible for millions of feature phone users in India.
A highlight of the summit was a live demonstration of Sarvam’s AI technology on an HMD Nokia feature phone, witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The demonstration exhibited real-time speech recognition, translation, and text-to-speech functionalities in ten Indian languages.
Importantly, these services operated seamlessly without any internet connection, showcasing the robustness of on-device AI technology, as noted by the company.
This demonstration reflects India’s increasing focus on developing inclusive and locally sourced AI solutions.
The partnership aligns with the summit’s theme of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya,” highlighting technology for the welfare and benefit of everyone.
Sarvam AI’s technology is being developed under the IndiaAI Mission and emphasizes India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
By providing voice-activated AI services in regional languages, this collaboration aims to close the digital gap and facilitate easier access to digital services.
With this partnership, users will be able to obtain information, manage daily chores, and utilize digital services effortlessly via voice commands in their preferred local language, as stated by the firm.
This initiative is anticipated to establish a new standard for inclusive AI innovation in the nation and bolster India’s stature as an emerging global leader in AI.
Point of View
The collaboration between HMD India and Sarvam AI is a landmark moment in India's technological landscape. It highlights the nation's commitment to making AI accessible to all, particularly in a country with vast linguistic and cultural diversity. By focusing on feature phones, this partnership addresses the needs of millions, ensuring that advancements in technology benefit everyone equally.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the collaboration between HMD India and Sarvam AI?
The collaboration aims to integrate the Sarvam Personal Assistant into Nokia feature phones, making AI technology accessible to millions of non-smartphone users across India.
What features were demonstrated during the event?
The live demonstration showcased real-time speech recognition, translation, and text-to-speech capabilities in ten Indian languages, all functioning without an internet connection.
Who witnessed the AI demo?
The AI demonstration was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment for both HMD India and Sarvam AI.
How does this initiative address digital inclusion?
By offering voice-based AI services in regional languages, the partnership aims to bridge the digital divide and make digital services more accessible to feature phone users.
What is the significance of the summit's theme?
The theme 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya' emphasizes technology for the welfare and benefit of all, aligning with the goals of making AI inclusive.
