India’s AI and Digital Innovations Take Centre Stage at UNGA’s Fifth ‘India Day’
Bilkul Bazaar
New York/Mumbai
September 29, 2026
India’s growing use of artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and technology-led development solutions was highlighted at the fifth edition of ‘India Day @ UNGA’, held during the week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Organised by the Reliance Foundation, United Nations in India and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) on September 24, the event brought together government representatives, multilateral institutions, civil society and private-sector stakeholders to discuss how development solutions emerging from India can be adapted and scaled across the Global South.
The programme featured discussions on AI, digital public infrastructure, women-led development, healthcare and inclusive growth. A high-level ministerial session, ‘Ruptures & Ramparts: Building Bridges for a Changing World’, examined how innovation, technology, finance and international partnerships could shape new approaches to global development amid geopolitical, climate and technological changes.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who participated in the ministerial session, spoke about the role of the UN and BRICS in addressing issues including sustainability and international cooperation. Ministers from Jamaica, Suriname and Ghana, along with representatives from the East-West Center, also took part in the discussion.
AI emerged as a recurring theme throughout the event. Sessions examined the use of AI across public services, healthcare, education and digital infrastructure, as well as questions around AI governance, data regulation, institutional capacity and responsible deployment.
The event also saw the launch of When Silicon Meets the Soil: India’s AI Revolution, the fifth publication in the India Day @ UNGA series. The publication features 12 mature case studies and six emerging innovations, highlighting applications of AI involving farmers, health workers and communities at population scale.
The organisers said the event aimed to showcase how solutions developed in India could contribute to sustainable development and cooperation across the Global South, particularly as countries work towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Snapshot
What: Fifth India Day @ UNGA
Where: New York, during UNGA week
Organised by: Reliance Foundation, United Nations in India and ORF
Key themes: AI, digital public infrastructure, healthcare, women-led development and inclusive growth
Key publication: When Silicon Meets the Soil: India’s AI Revolution