The meeting served as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026

The IndiaAI Mission under MeitY, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, hosted the Working Group Meeting on Inclusion for Social Empowerment at the IIT Hyderabad campus. The meeting brought together senior policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and researchers to deliberate on inclusive AI development, societal adoption of AI, and equitable access to AI-driven opportunities.

The meeting served as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 16–20, 2026, and is part of a series of nationwide Working Group consultations shaping the Summit’s agenda.

The inaugural session featured addresses by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and Indian Chair of the Working Group; Ambassador Thomas Schneider of Switzerland; Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad; Dr. Nalin Kumar Srivastava, MeitY; and Shri Ch. Bharath Reddy, Joint Director (e-Governance), Government of Telangana. Speakers stressed the need to embed inclusion, trust, and societal context at the core of India’s AI strategy.

Prof. B.S. Murty emphasised that leadership in AI requires interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact, stating that AI must ultimately improve lives while addressing issues of responsibility and acceptability.

Dr. Nalin Kumar Srivastava highlighted that AI is not merely a technological choice but a moral duty aimed at social empowerment with people at the centre.

Shri Rajesh Aggarwal noted that India’s AI framework includes a dedicated vertical on social empowerment, supported by global partnerships. He stressed that AI must benefit diverse communities, reduce bias, and strengthen India’s digital public infrastructure by adding an AI layer.

Shri Ch. Bharath Reddy reaffirmed Telangana’s commitment to innovation and said the discussions would feed into focused sessions at the upcoming India AI Impact Summit.

Ambassador Thomas Schneider underscored the importance of sustainable and ethical AI that respects human rights, dignity, and inclusivity, advocating multilateral cooperation to ensure AI serves the common good.

The event featured a technical keynote titled “Reimagine Bharat with AI” by Prof. Shailesh Kumar of Reliance Jio, followed by two panel discussions. The first panel focused on Inclusive AI Development, exploring ways to mitigate bias and improve access across the AI lifecycle. 

The second panel addressed Societal Adoption of AI, examining opportunities and challenges in sectors such as healthcare and public services.

The programme also included startup pitches, student perspectives, and networking sessions, culminating in a closed-door hybrid meeting of the Working Group to consolidate insights.

The outcomes of the meeting will inform national discussions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, reinforcing India’s commitment to building inclusive, responsible, and human-centric AI ecosystems under the IndiaAI Mission, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.