Five pivotal ideas for India and the world at an inflection point

In the run-up to the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025, thought leaders and experts share their views on the theme of this year’s event

- Amitabh Kant

The world stands at a turning point. Geopolitical conflict has escalated, trade has become a theatre of retaliation, climate shocks are intensifying, and the global economy is being reshaped by technologies that evolve faster than policy can respond. Institutions created in the mid-20th century are struggling to address 2ist-century challenges. The result is a world where uncertainty has become structural. Amid this global turbulence, India stands out as a nation of stability and momentum. Over the past decade, India has moved from the “Fragile Five” to becoming the world’s fastest-growing large economy, powered bystructural reforms, digital public infrastructure, and a sustained focus on inclusive growth. This moment provides India not only an opportunity to rise, butan opportunity to lead. Five big ideas, equally global and national, can define the road ahead.

Using Al to improve outcomes at scale

Technology is the most potent force shaping global growth. Artificial intelligence (Al), semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech, and advanced materials will determine productivity, competitiveness, and national security. But technology improves lives only when it is designed to reach the last mile.

India’s digital public infrastructure has demonstrated how technology can transform governance. Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker have enabled 1.4 billion people to access digital identities, financial services, and other services. But the next leap must come from AI deployed for the public good. AI can dramatically accelerate progress in health care by supporting diagnostics, clinical decision support systems, and predictive analytics. In education, AL-driven personalised tutoring can bridge learning gaps, and help teachers with content, assessments, and remedial pathways. In agriculture, AIcan improve yields, and in governance, Alcan enhance service delivery and security.