AI Must Be Accessible, Affordable and Multilingual to Prevent Inequality: Amitabh Kant

AI Must Be Accessible, Affordable and Multilingual to Prevent Inequality: Amitabh Kant​

Calls for Inclusive AI at AI Impact Summit in New Delhi​

Artificial Intelligence is a transformative force that will disrupt every aspect of life, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said on Tuesday, warning that the technology must be made accessible, affordable, accountable and multilingual to prevent widening global inequalities.

Speaking at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi during a session titled AI for India's Next Billion: Intergenerational Insights for Inclusive and Future-Ready Growth, Kant highlighted the sweeping impact AI is expected to have across sectors and societies.

“There is no doubt that this is a hugely transformative technology. It will impact every sector, it will disrupt every way of life, and therefore it is very important that AI is made accessible, affordable, and accountable,” he said.

Massive Investments, Risk of Deepening Inequality​

Kant pointed out that significant global investments are pouring into AI, leading to rapid disruption. However, he cautioned that such large-scale transformation could result in a highly unequal society if the benefits are not widely distributed.

He stressed that AI systems must be multilingual to ensure inclusivity. Without linguistic diversity, large segments of the population risk being excluded from technological progress.

“The challenge is whether we can ensure that AI reaches those below the poverty line, whether AI can be used to transform the lives of citizens and whether AI can be used to improve learning outcomes, health outcomes, and improve nutritional standards,” he said.

Leveraging AI for the Global South​

Kant underlined the importance of using technology to uplift citizens in the global south. He emphasized that if AI is not deployed for the benefit of those below the poverty line, economic disparities could become permanent.

“If it is not used to the benefit of those below the poverty line, they will remain poor forever. If you are not able to use it for improving education, which is the key to improving learning outcomes, what was physically not possible is now possible because of the power of AI,” he said.

Building AI Models with Local Data​

The former G20 Sherpa also emphasized the need for countries like India and others in the global south to develop AI models using their own data.

He said India’s rapid progress in digital transformation offers a template. Referring to India’s digital public infrastructure, Kant noted that the country was able to leapfrog decades of progress within a short span.

“We have learned from our own digital public infrastructure, which enabled India to leapfrog in seven years what the Bank for International Settlements said India achieved 50 years of progress in seven years,” he said.

Open Architecture Driving India’s Digital Growth​

Kant attributed India’s success to systems built on open-source architecture, open APIs and global interoperability.

Because of this digital public infrastructure layer, India can facilitate fast payments, stock market transactions, insurance services and last-mile credit delivery. On top of this foundation, the private sector has been allowed to innovate and compete.

He added that India is currently building 10 large language models, opening up data sets and providing computing power to startups and researchers at lower costs.

“India must use its data, its talent, and distribute computing power to its citizens, so that we can benefit from this power,” Kant said.

As AI continues to reshape industries and societies, the focus, he suggested, must remain on inclusive and accountable deployment that benefits every section of society.