Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), and Mr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy to the Director and Chief of Telecommunication Standardization Policy Department (TSB) inaugurated the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) “AI for Good – Impact India” Conference 2025 at IMC 2025 in New Delhi today, marking a significant step in advancing responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation in India. The conference brought together global AI leaders, policymakers, industry experts, start-ups, and academia to explore transformative applications of AI for sustainable development.

The event is co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).  the event aims to leverage AI technologies to address national priorities such as healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and public service delivery.

ITU, is a specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), established in 1865 to develop global technical standards for seamless network interconnection, allocation of global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, and working to improve digital access for underserved communities worldwide.

‘AI For Good Summit’

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary Telecom and Chairman, DCC, said,  “While the title of the summit is AI for Good, there is equally AI for Bad — and risks come along naturally, because AI is truly horizontal and sits atop all verticals. ….and we are able to see how artificial intelligence (AI) tools are leading to deep fakes, voice cloning, financial frauds, bypassing voice signatures, and even videos to establish false identities.” He added, “Therefore, we have to be very vigilant about what the telecom network will look like with artificial intelligence. As we move from 5G to 6G, there is a tremendous role for AI to improve the intelligence in networks, make them self-healing, and move from generative AI to agentic AI…. to make customer service better.”

Under the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is advancing a trusted, inclusive and human-centric AI ecosystem through the $1.25 billion IndiaAI Mission, in close collaboration with global partners such as ITU, to ensure that technology remains a force for trust, inclusion and progress.”

The inaugural session was graced by Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy to the Director and Chief of Telecommunication Standardization Policy Department (TSB), ITU along with senior representatives from UN agencies, DoT and the private sector. The dignitaries emphasised the importance of international collaboration and ethical frameworks to ensure AI technologies deliver meaningful social impact.

In his remarks, Mr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy Director of TSB and Chief of Study Groups & Policy Department (SPD) at ITU, commended India’s proactive leadership in promoting responsible AI and digital inclusion. He emphasised the importance of forging global partnerships to address critical issues such as AI misuse, data privacy, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The ‘AI For Good Summit’ brought together leading voices from across the globe to deliberate on AI’s role in achieving equitable and sustainable digital growth. Sessions covered diverse and vital topics including “AI Governance in Action: Bridging Policy and Practice,” “AI and Cybersecurity,” “Quantum for Good,” “Robotics and AI for Youth Safety,” “‘I’ to the power of AI: An 8 year old’s take on Viksit Bharat”, and “Advancing Disaster Management with Autonomous Robots for a Resilient Future.” Key discussions emphasized AI safety, ethical frameworks, risk management, digital inclusion, and standardisation efforts for international cooperation to ensure responsible deployment of AI technologies.

As part of the summit, the Innovation Factory initiative was unveiled. This collaborative platform, developed by DoT and ITU under the AI for Good framework, showcased the contributions of numerous AI startups. The platform was judged and moderated by members from ITU, industry leaders, and DoT, providing a dynamic environment for emerging solutions aimed at tackling global challenges.

The summit served as a global platform for thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving inclusive and sustainable digital transformation, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also showcased ongoing initiatives under ITU’s flagship “AI for Good” programme, which is closely aligned with India’s vision of “Digital Empowerment and Inclusive Growth.” The summit also reinforced the essential role of ITU in fostering dialogue, defining global standards, and ensuring that AI technologies contribute positively to humanity.

About India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025

The India Mobile Congress (IMC), Asia’s largest technology forum, is jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). The event brings together global ICT and digital ecosystem leaders to explore the innovations that are shaping the future of connectivity, digital transformation, and the evolving role of AI.

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Samrat / Murali / Allen