AI’s power imbalance: Nandan Nilekani says India must build for scale, not chase global supremacy

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and its current non-executive chairman, has highlighted the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence, including the concentration of wealth and power among a select few. At a recent Asia Society event, he urged that this reality should not deter us from leveraging AI for beneficial purposes. Nilekani emphasized the importance of focusing on large-scale societal challenges, advocating for a paradigm shift in how AI is utilized. "There will undoubtedly be a concentration of wealth and power due to AI. However, we must strive within our influence to foster a different approach," he stated. With his experience in developing initiatives like Aadhar and the UPI platform, he underscored that AI's primary aim in India should be to enhance the quality of life through advancements in sectors such as education, healthcare, and language learning. While many global powers are investing heavily in advanced AI technologies, Nilekani called for a more pragmatic approach, suggesting that efforts should be directed toward addressing tangible real-world problems instead of pursuing global supremacy. He also expressed doubts regarding the viability of universal basic income (UBI) as a solution for job displacement caused by AI. "I do not subscribe to the dystopian vision that some propose. Instead, we should focus on AI that enhances human potential," he remarked. In discussing India's unique position, Nilekani pointed out the nation’s ability to create high-quality, citizen-centric services powered by AI, while remaining mindful of its economic context. He cited the success of frugal innovations, like UPI, which operates at an exceptionally low cost, a feat not replicated elsewhere in the world. "Innovation is essential to stay ahead; otherwise, we risk falling into negative risk-reward scenarios and societal upheaval," he warned. Reflecting on the creation of Aadhar and UPI, he noted that simplicity in design was crucial, recalling how the documentation for the payments platform was concise and to the point.