NEW DELHI, July 3: A high-level seminar titled “Artificial Intelligen ce and North-east India” has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to integrate AI across key sectors in the region, aiming to bridge decades-old developmental gaps and unlock its full potential. Organised by the Society for Harmonising Aspirations for Responsible Engagement (SHARE), the seminar brought together top government officials, industry leaders, academics, and technology experts to reimagine the future of the North-east through artificial intelligence.

Chaired by IFS (Retd.) Harsh Vardhan Sh ringla, former Foreign Secretary and Head of Global Affairs at SHARE, the seminar spotlighted the region’s strategic importance, branding it as India’s “gateway to ASEAN nations.” Shringla stressed that deploying AI in governance and public services could dramatically transform administration, communication, and connectivity in the North-east. He cited an AI-powered translation app used during the G20 Summit in India as an example of how technology is simplifying communication and enhancing citizen engagement.

“The integration of AI in governance isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about inclusion, access, and opportunity,” Shringla said, recalling how a woman constable used the G20 app to interact seamlessly with a foreign delegate, underscoring AI’s human-centric potential.

Angshuman Dey, IFS and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), framed the dialogue within the larger context of Industry 4.0. He revealed that MDoNER is actively preparing a comprehensive roadmap to embed AI in areas such as agriculture, tourism, disaster management, education, and skill development.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is not a distant wave. It’s here, and the North-east must ride it to redefine its future,” Dey said.

Private sector representatives shared their optimism. Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director Asia South at NVIDIA India, proposed the establishment of an AI Factory in the North-east to support local innovation, generate AI tokens, and deploy culturally sensitive AI solutions. “This region can become a hub for responsible and adaptive AI,” he added.

From the government side, IAS Amit Sharma, Secretary of the Department of ICT in Mizoram, highlighted that the state is already laying the digital groundwork necessary for AI integration, especially in improving public service delivery.

Moderated by SHARE’s General Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, the session saw active participation from ministry officials, startups, cybersecurity experts, journalists, and academia—marking a united step forward in leveraging AI for inclusive regional development.

The seminar concluded with a shared commitment to use AI as a tool for empowerment and progress, particularly in addressing geographical isolation, enhancing disaster resilience, and driving economic transformation across the North-east.