IndiaAI Mission Hosts Inclusive AI Meeting at IIT Hyderabad
The IndiaAI Mission, in collaboration with MeitY and IIT Hyderabad, held a significant Working Group Meeting focused on Inclusion for Social Empowerment at the IIT Hyderabad campus. This gathering brought together senior policymakers, academic leaders, industry experts, and researchers to discuss the critical aspects of developing inclusive AI. The goal was to advance national conversations around the societal adoption of AI and ensure equitable access to AI-driven opportunities.
This meeting acted as a precursor to the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026. It is part of a series of consultations across the nation aimed at shaping the thematic agenda and outcomes for the Summit.
Keynote Addresses Highlighting Inclusion
The inaugural session featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra; Ambassador Thomas Schneider from Switzerland; Prof. B.S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad; Dr. Nalin Kumar Srivastava from MeitY; and Shri Ch. Bharath Reddy from the Government of Telangana. These leaders underscored the necessity of embedding principles of inclusion, trust, and societal context in the evolution of AI in India.
Prof. B.S. Murty emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in AI, stating, “If India truly aspires to lead in AI, we must take bold steps.” He highlighted the significance of combining various fields, from engineering to liberal arts, to harness AI for improving lives and tackling challenges associated with responsible technology use.
Focus on Social Empowerment
Shri Dr. Nalin Kumar Srivastava noted that the gathering aimed to address pressing issues surrounding diversity, responsibility, and equity in AI. “This is not just about technology; it’s about social empowerment,” he asserted, placing the emphasis on a people-centric approach to AI development.
Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal elaborated on the structured approach India is taking towards AI, which includes seven verticals, one dedicated to social empowerment. He stressed the need for AI advancements to support diverse socio-economic backgrounds and the importance of reducing bias in data.
Global Perspectives and Local Innovations
Ambassador Thomas Schneider delivered a high-level keynote, advocating for sustainable AI practices that prioritize environmental integrity while promoting social progress. He affirmed that advancements in AI should benefit all, reinforcing the need for cooperation among stakeholders to mitigate biases and ensure inclusivity.
The meeting also featured a technical keynote by Prof. Shailesh Kumar, who discussed the role of innovation in national development. Two panel discussions explored themes such as promoting inclusive AI development and societal challenges in AI adoption. These discussions highlighted practical strategies for tackling bias and expanding access in AI systems.
In addition, the event featured startup pitches and student insights, fostering engagement between various stakeholders. The day concluded with a closed-door session aimed at consolidating insights and recommendations from the Working Group.
The discussions from this Working Group Meeting will play a vital role in shaping the future of AI in India and will contribute to the willful deliberations at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. This aligns with the Indian government’s commitment to developing inclusive and human-centered AI ecosystems as part of the IndiaAI Mission.
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