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Smriti Irani: AI Democratizes Tech, India Must Seize Opportunity

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani stated that artificial intelligence has democratized the use of technology, presenting an opportunity for India to address significant challenges. She made these remarks while participating in a panel on 'Intelligence Bias' at the Raisina Dialogue 2026. The event also featured addresses from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, focusing on technology and global order. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the three-day conference, which gathers global leaders to discuss geopolitics and geo-economics.

Key Points: Smriti Irani on AI Democratizing Technology at Raisina Dialogue

  • AI democratizes technology access
  • Citizens must use tech productively
  • India can address key challenges with tech
  • Raisina Dialogue focuses on AI impact
  • Global leaders discuss equity in AI
2 min read

"AI has democratised use of technology": Former Union Minister Smriti Irani

Former Minister Smriti Irani says AI democratizes tech use. She spoke at Raisina Dialogue 2026, joined by global leaders discussing AI's impact.

"What AI has done is democratise the usage of technology. - Smriti Irani"

New Delhi, March 6

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on Friday said that artificial intelligence has democratised the usage of technology.

Speaking to reporters at Raisina Dialogue 2026, Smriti Irani said that the Indian government has an opportunity to address challenges related to the use of technology.

"What AI has done is democratise the usage of technology. It is incumbent upon us as citizens to use technology to a much more productive end. We have today an opportunity to address a lot of challenges that the Indian citizens and government deem fit for attention," the former Union Minister said.

Smriti Irani was part of the panel discussing 'Intelligence Bias: Equity, Inclusion, and Growth in the Age of AI' on day 2 of Raisina Dialogue 2026.

The panel also included Mauritius Minister Marie Veronique Leu-Govind, Chief Economist and Investor USA Meredith Walker, Dean of the University of California, San Diego, USA Rajesh Gupta, Former Chief Executive Officer of Thimphu TechPark, Bhutan Tshering Cigay Dorji, and Global Head of Privacy, HCL Tech, Germany Paula Cipierre.

On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also discussed AI and global order in his vote of thanks at the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue 2026.

Speaking after the keynote address by Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Jaishankar said the dialogue was being held at a particularly complex time in global affairs, which has set the tone for deeper deliberations.

"Our discussions over the next few days will be about new capabilities -- military, economic, energy, human resources and above all technology, particularly artificial intelligence," Jaishankar said at the 11th edition of india's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue. Finland's President Alexander Stubb is also the Chief Guest for the three-day event.

The three-day dialogue is scheduled from March 5 to March 7. The 2026 edition, themed "Samskara - Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
True, but democratization needs to be backed by digital literacy. My parents in a small town still struggle with basic smartphones. How will they use AI? The government must focus on massive skill development alongside promoting AI.
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Rohit P
Raisina Dialogue always has great discussions. Glad to see India taking a lead in the global AI conversation. The theme 'Samskara' is fitting - we need to advance while preserving our core values. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As an expat working in Bangalore's tech sector, I'm impressed by India's focus on inclusive AI growth. The panel composition with global experts shows serious intent. The challenge of 'Intelligence Bias' is real everywhere.
K
Karthik V
With respect, while the sentiment is good, I hope this translates to policy. We need strong data protection laws and ethical AI frameworks made in India, not just adopting Western models. Our diversity needs unique solutions.
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Meera T
AI in agriculture could be a game-changer for our farmers. If tech is truly democratized, imagine AI-powered advisories for crop management in local languages! That's the productive end-use we need. 🙏

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