“Briefly, the rise of powerful AI will be both the finest, or the worst factor, ever to occur to humanity.” — Stephen Hawking
Synthetic Intelligence might remodel civilisation for the higher or pose unprecedented dangers if left unchecked, the late physicist Stephen Hawking had warned, cautioning that superior programs would possibly allow powerful autonomous weapons or new instruments of oppression.
That twin imaginative and prescient of promise and peril framed discussions at the India AI Impression Summit 2026, the place policymakers, trade leaders and researchers confused the have to stability fast innovation with accountable governance.
Connectivity as the basis
Talking at the summit, Minister of State for Telecom Chandrasekhar Pemmasani stated India’s twenty first century transformation could be outlined not by silicon chips alone however by connectivity.
“When historians write about India’s transformation, they will start with the second India made a basic selection that connectivity is just not a luxurious however sovereignty,” he stated.
He described telecom networks as the foundational layer on which AI programs function, enabling predictive upkeep, real-time spectrum optimisation and vitality financial savings via AI-powered infrastructure administration. With over a billion subscribers and increasing information centre capability, India’s digital spine is being positioned as the supply layer for scalable AI functions.
Pemmasani added that the nation’s journey is transferring from “Digital Bharat” to “Clever Bharat,” however warned that with out reasonably priced and dependable connectivity, AI dangers remaining confined to city hubs and analysis establishments.
Telecom as the tracks for AI
SP Kochhar, Director Normal of the Mobile Operators Affiliation of India, in contrast telecom infrastructure to railway tracks that carry the trains of innovation. The returns, he stated, will come not from the basis itself however from the AI functions constructed on prime of it, throughout agriculture, medication and a number of sectors.
He emphasised that strong telecom programs are important to ship seamless AI experiences at scale.
Protected and trusted AI
Issues much like these raised by Hawking have been mirrored in a devoted session on secure and trusted AI, the place audio system underlined the significance of accountability, governance and moral deployment as AI turns into central to India’s financial and social growth.
Contributors known as for robust information safety, cybersecurity safeguards, and risk-mitigation frameworks that allow innovation whereas stopping misuse. Regulatory our bodies are engaged on up to date tips for AI in healthcare, alongside expanded scientific trial websites and analysis centres to make sure validation and security.
AI in healthcare and MedTech
One other session centered on AI-enabled MedTech, highlighting how clever programs can develop entry to care, allow early analysis and enhance affordability. Consultants confused the want for AI-ready information programs, digital well being infrastructure and collaborative ecosystems to speed up product growth and large-scale deployment.
Current coverage reforms aimed toward easing R&D recognition necessities for deep tech startups have been cited as steps towards making a extra enabling innovation atmosphere.
Balancing ambition and warning
Hawking had as soon as stated that success in creating AI could possibly be the largest occasion in the historical past of civilisation, but additionally warned it could possibly be the final except humanity learns to keep away from the dangers.
At the summit, the message was related in tone if not in wording: India is embracing AI as a driver of development and inclusion, however with a rising recognition that governance, connectivity and belief will decide whether or not the know-how turns into a drive for prosperity or a supply of disruption.
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