India is transitioning from connectivity to intelligence, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) set to play a crucial role, according to a senior government official. Amit Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, emphasized the importance of aligning innovation with responsibility, transparency, and public trust in India’s approach to AI. At a forum with telecom and digital ministers from 11 ASEAN Member States, India reiterated its strong commitment to digital cooperation with ASEAN.
Agrawal highlighted India’s strides in digital transformation, including extensive 4G coverage, rapid 5G rollout, enhanced rural broadband connectivity through BharatNet, and its emergence as a significant manufacturing center. The official also pointed out key Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, promoting inclusive growth and efficient service delivery in India.
India emphasized the significance of AI by introducing the IndiaAI Mission, focusing on safe and trusted technology. The country expressed willingness to collaborate with ASEAN on AI capacity building, standards development, and practical applications. Discussions at the meeting centered on enhancing regional digital cooperation, particularly in digital inclusion and integration, with a focus on key issues.
The ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation, adopted at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, highlighted cooperation areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Financial Technology, Cybersecurity, AI, Capacity Building, Knowledge Sharing, and Sustainable Financing and Investment. Progress in implementing cooperation activities under the ASEAN-India 2025 Digital Work Plan was also acknowledged.
