India holds substantial potential for productivity gains driven by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and healthcare, according to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S. Krishnan. Speaking at the Global Technology Summit 2024 on Monday, Krishnan highlighted the transformative power of AI-led tools and innovation in shaping India’s economic future. His remarks were detailed in a report titled “Headroom for AI-led productivity boost high in India: MeitY secretary,” published by The Economic Times.
Krishnan emphasized the need for effective scaling of current AI use cases, asserting that while pilot projects showcase demonstrable impact, broader adoption remains essential to realizing long-term national gains. He noted that India, with its extensive data repositories, growing digital infrastructure, and a large, tech-savvy population, is especially well-placed to benefit from AI if systemic adoption strategies are implemented.
The MeitY Secretary spotlighted certain areas where AI deployment could yield immediate improvements. In agriculture, AI applications in predictive analytics, crop monitoring, and weather forecasting offer the promise of better decision-making and resource management. In logistics, the technology has the potential to optimize supply chains and cut operational inefficiencies. In healthcare, AI tools can enable early disease detection, enhance diagnostics, and improve service delivery in under-resourced regions.
Krishnan acknowledged that a key challenge lies in moving beyond proof-of-concept to scaled operations. He also referenced ongoing government efforts to support AI growth, including the establishment of the IndiaAI program, investments in high-performance computing infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks designed to ensure responsible use of the technology.
The government is also actively collaborating with industry stakeholders to strengthen AI research, foster innovation ecosystems, and facilitate AI literacy and skill development. These steps are part of a larger national strategy to position India as a global leader in digital technologies.
According to industry observers, India’s AI landscape is poised for rapid evolution, driven by a confluence of public investment, private sector engagement, and academic research. Yet, experts also caution that success will depend on intelligent policy design and inclusive development approaches that prevent deepening of socio-economic divides.
The Economic Times article underscores the growing policy focus on using AI as a catalyst for broad-based economic expansion. Krishnan’s remarks add weight to this narrative, affirming that India’s vast scale and diversity can serve as both a challenge and a strength in harnessing the full potential of artificial intelligence.
