The IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad hosted a meeting of the Working Group on Inclusion for Social Empowerment at the IITH, Kandi, Sangareddy campus on Tuesday.
The meeting, which is a precursor to India’s AI Impact Summit 2026, to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, is part of a nationwide series of consultations aimed at shaping the thematic agenda and outcomes of the summit.
Chief Secretary to the Government of Maharashtra, Rajesh Aggarwal, also the Chairman of the Task Force on India, in his plenary address highlighted India’s structured approach to AI across seven verticals, including social empowerment. He called for adding a layer of artificial intelligence to India’s digital public infrastructure while ensuring impartial and fair outcomes.
According to Ambassador and Director of the Federal Office of Communications in Switzerland, Thomas Schneider, artificial intelligence should be used in a sustainable way, for progress, including economic and social development. It should be for everyone and in a way that respects human dignity and fundamental rights. To be a powerful force for good, AI must be responsibly designed and deployed, he said.
Director (IITH) BS Murty said bold steps must be taken if India truly aspires to lead in AI. Artificial intelligence must also be interdisciplinary, bringing together engineering, material sciences, the liberal arts and more, and with a focus on improving lives.
Several speakers highlighted the need to embed inclusion, trust and societal context at the core of India’s AI development. The program also included panel discussions on the inclusive development of artificial intelligence and social acceptance, an introductory presentation session and student perspectives.
Addl. Director (MeitY) Nalin Kumar Srivastava, Jt. Director (e-Governance, Telangana) Ch. Bharath Reddy, leading politicians, academics, industry experts, startups, researchers and others were present.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 21:09 IST