New Delhi [India], January 6: On January 5 and 6, 2026, the IndiaAI Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Government of Assam, and IIT Guwahati convened a two-day Human Capital Working Group meeting. While it may have appeared as another policy consultation on paper, it represented a significant shift on the ground.
Rather than promoting AI as a cure-all, the discussions aimed to confront difficult questions: Who truly benefits from AI? Who faces displacement? Who is left behind when progress is slow, and who suffers in the absence of sufficient safeguards? These critical issues are set to inform conversations at the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, underscoring the importance of human capital in the nation’s AI strategy.
Guwahati’s role as the host city is emblematic of a shift in India’s AI policy, which has historically favored major metropolitan areas. With New Delhi drafting policies and Bengaluru focusing on technology development, engaging in national discussions on AI human capital in Guwahati signals a reorientation towards inclusivity. Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, emphasized the institute’s role as a nexus for policy, academia, industry, and students, highlighting the necessity of engaging young people who will be directly affected by AI’s implications in the workforce.
The discussions brought regional perspectives into national policy considerations. Rather than viewing Northeast India as a peripheral area, it is being recognized as a vital case study for inclusion and adoption of AI technologies. The emphasis on skilling was a recurring theme, with participants advocating that mere training is insufficient. Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chair of the Human Capital Working Group, stated that piecemeal skilling initiatives would not sustain India’s economy in the AI era. Instead, the country requires lifelong learning ecosystems that prioritize flexibility and human-centered skills alongside technical expertise.
This pivot from automation to augmentation is not merely philosophical; it has profound economic ramifications. Given India’s extensive workforce, the risk of mass displacement is real and demands urgent attention. Shri K. S. Gopinath Narayan, Principal Secretary (IT) of the Government of Assam, cautioned that unchecked automation might exacerbate regional and sectoral inequalities, framing micro-skilling and continuous learning as essential public capabilities.
Furthermore, Ms. Shikha Dahiya, Joint Director of IndiaAI, articulated the summit’s significance beyond Indian borders. The focus is not only on domestic readiness but on establishing a narrative for AI in the Global South. IndiaAI’s initiatives in developing indigenous computing resources and datasets are fundamental to fostering human capital. Without a sovereign AI infrastructure, strategies run the risk of perpetuating dependence on external entities.
As discussions progressed, Shri Syedain Abbasi, Special Chief Secretary of the Government of Assam, raised concerns regarding job security in traditional IT and outsourcing sectors. He pointed out that if AI capabilities remain concentrated among a limited number of global players, job losses could happen rapidly rather than gradually. The solution lies in fostering indigenous computing, encouraging public-private partnerships, and creating tailored skilling pathways.
Gender-responsive strategies were a focal point in addressing the transition to AI. Panelists underscored the existing risks, including the automation of entry-level jobs predominantly occupied by women and the widening wage gaps due to unequal access to AI training. The consensus was clear: inclusion must be an integral part of AI systems and skilling programs from the outset, not an afterthought.
Moderated by Ms. Arpitha Desai of The Asia Group, the panel highlighted the need for explainable AI and adoption-driven reskilling. The focus shifted towards systemic change rather than slogans. The conversation on education reform became particularly consequential, centering on the concept of the “cognitive age.”
Panelists discussed how AI is reshaping educational goals, emphasizing the obsolescence of rote learning. Instead, a process-oriented approach to education should prevail, promoting adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning as essential competencies. As India navigates these crucial changes, its demographic advantage could either be leveraged for growth or squandered.
The outcomes of the Guwahati meeting are intended to inform national policy and global discussions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The overarching message is clear: India aims to position human capital as a primary beneficiary of AI advancements, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The future of AI in India must be inclusive, ensuring that growth is accompanied by dignity and progress.
India AI Impact Summit 2026
India AI Impact Summit 2026 – official summit portal
Official IndiaAI Mission
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology – IndiaAI Mission official page
PNN News
See also
CodeT5 Reaches 22,172 Monthly Downloads, Surpassing OpenAI’s Code Models
UK Government Orders Elon Musk’s X to Address Grok AI’s Production of Non-Consensual Images
Hyundai, Boston Dynamics, and Google DeepMind Invest $150B to Transform Humanoid Robotics
AI Expert Pushes Back Timeline for Superintelligence, Now Sees 2034 as New Milestone
