WGS 2026: Tech Mahindra’s Mohit Joshi says ambition for AI should be beyond corporate productivity

Mohit Joshi, the Managing Director and CEO of Tech Mahindra, called on global leaders to rethink their short-term strategies regarding artificial intelligence during a compelling panel discussion at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Moderated by Geeta Mohan, Senior Executive Editor at India Today Group, Joshi emphasized the importance of developing 'sovereign' digital systems rather than merely focusing on immediate procurement needs. He argued that the true potential of national digital infrastructure lies in a significant shift in both commercial and ethical philosophies. Joshi pointed out that if the main goal of AI is merely to reduce jobs in contact centers or enhance productivity for developers, then society is missing out on the larger picture. He proposed a transformative vision, suggesting that the key objective of AI should be to provide universal access to exceptional healthcare services at a minimal cost of $10 per month. Joshi warned that failing to articulate this broader ambition could lead the public to perceive technology as a threat to their jobs rather than a tool for improvement. Central to his perspective is the notion of 'sovereign digital infrastructure', which empowers individuals by ensuring they have ownership of their own data. He highlighted the need for a transactional model that allows individuals to share their information and retract it once transactions are completed. Building trust, he asserted, is a crucial factor in business success that takes time to establish but can be easily lost. In his remarks, Joshi also stressed the significance of linguistic inclusivity in technology. While many AI models predominantly utilize English, Tech Mahindra has developed 'Indus', which encompasses around 27 dialects of Hindi, aiming to make technological advancements accessible to a broader audience. Kaan Terzioğlu, the CEO of VEON, supported Joshi's vision, citing Ukraine's integration of terrestrial and satellite networks to ensure connectivity for all users with 4G-enabled devices. Terzioğlu noted that such partnerships are essential, as 'sovereign AI' is becoming a critical agenda in governmental policies. Joshi concluded with a cautionary note regarding the Global South, which risks falling behind as the pace of technology adoption accelerates. He urged governments to establish 'governance guardrails' that enable technology to become a transformative utility for everyone.