New Delhi

Former Amitabh Kant on Tuesday urged India and other Global South nations to develop their own artificial intelligence (AI) models using local data to ensure inclusive growth and equitable benefits.

Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 during the session “AI for India’s Next Billion,” Kant emphasised that AI systems must be multilingual, accessible, affordable, and accountable. He warned that rapid AI advancements and massive global investments could widen socio-economic gaps if not responsibly implemented.

Kant stressed that AI should reach those below the poverty line and improve education, healthcare, and nutrition. He noted that systems not designed for underprivileged populations risk deepening existing inequalities. Highlighting linguistic diversity, he said AI tools that are not multilingual could exclude large sections of society.

He pointed out that India and other Global South countries contribute significantly to the data powering large language models, with India providing 33 per cent more data than the United States. Kant cautioned that global tech firms could monetise this data for expensive products, sidelining the very nations that supplied it.

Drawing lessons from India’s digital public infrastructure success, he suggested a layered AI model: a strong digital identity framework at the base, with private players building competitive solutions on top.

Kant concluded that AI adoption must focus on uplifting citizens in the Global South, ensuring growth that is inclusive rather than exclusionary, and that local AI development is critical to achieving equitable access and long-term societal benefits.