New Delhi, Feb 25: Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, has applauded India’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence, describing the country as a key force in making advanced technologies more accessible to the developing world.In a recent conversation with Siddharth Zarabi, Group Editor at Business Today, Georgieva said India’s push to expand digital infrastructure and AI capabilities could serve as a model for emerging economies.
She emphasized that India’s approach reflects a broader vision—ensuring that artificial intelligence does not remain confined to wealthier nations but benefits countries across the Global South.“Artificial intelligence is unfolding at unprecedented speed,” Georgieva noted, calling it the fastest technological shift the world has experienced.
While the technology promises significant productivity gains and new avenues for economic growth, she cautioned that it also carries substantial risks.One of the IMF chief’s central concerns is the potential for AI to deepen inequality. Without timely policy action, she warned, the gap between technologically advanced economies and less-prepared nations could widen further.
Countries that fail to invest in digital skills, regulatory frameworks, and social safety nets may find themselves falling behind.Georgieva also highlighted the potential disruption to labor markets. As automation and AI-driven tools reshape industries, millions of workers could face job displacement. However, she stressed that with the right policies—focused on reskilling and education—AI can create new employment opportunities and enhance overall productivity.
The IMF, she said, is actively supporting member countries in navigating this transition. Its focus is on helping governments design strategies that maximize AI’s economic benefits while minimizing social and financial risks.India’s emphasis on digital public infrastructure, expanding internet access, and fostering innovation ecosystems positions it as a significant player in shaping how AI evolves globally, Georgieva suggested. She added that inclusive growth must remain at the center of technological transformation.
As artificial intelligence continues to redefine economies and industries, global institutions and national governments alike face the dual challenge of harnessing its promise while guarding against unintended consequences.
The IMF chief’s remarks underline a growing consensus: the AI revolution must be inclusive, responsible, and globally coordinated to ensure shared prosperity.
