New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) Artificial Intelligence is recognized as a horizontal and cross-cutting technology that can propel India towards its Viksit Bharat ambitions, stated S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), during a panel discussion held on Wednesday.

This discussion took place at the Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025), which is taking place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 3-5.

While chairing the session, Krishnan emphasized on how India can responsibly leverage AI to foster innovation, promote inclusion, and enhance global competitiveness.

“The essential aspect of any technology is its societal impact, how it improves quality of life, and what it provides to the citizens. For India, this is a significant opportunity to utilize a horizontal, cross-cutting technology like AI to ensure the nation is on the right trajectory towards becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047,” Krishnan remarked.

The panel featured prominent figures from the government, academia, and industry, discussing India’s evolving AI landscape. They covered various topics including expanding digital infrastructure, developing indigenous large language models, promoting ethical AI governance, and nurturing global partnerships.

Experts highlighted the importance of aligning technological advancements with the nation's developmental goals and social inclusion objectives.

Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY, elaborated on the IndiaAI Mission’s comprehensive approach to establishing a world-class AI ecosystem.

“To facilitate AI innovation, the IndiaAI Mission is addressing the various gaps in our narrative. Our greatest asset is our human capital, but to develop AI models and applications, we also require accessible computers, quality datasets, and ongoing investment,” Singh stated, who also serves as the Director General of the National Informatics Centre and CEO of the IndiaAI Mission.

“Through our seven-pillar strategy, which includes low-cost computers, data platforms, foundational models, startup support, and tools for safe and trustworthy AI, we are cultivating an ecosystem that allows India to compete with the best globally. Our aim is to create AI applications that not only fulfill India's requirements but also set global standards for innovation, ethics, and trust,” he added.

The session also paved the way for the upcoming India - AI Impact Summit 2026, focusing on India's evolving AI ecosystem from expanding digital infrastructure and advancing indigenous large language models to strengthening ethical AI governance and enhancing international collaboration.