For five days in the recent past, Delhi became the epicentre of tech and AI innovation. The capital witnessed what many described as the grand “AI Kumbh.” Moving beyond general discussions, groups of innovators and tech leaders deliberated on esoteric subjects such as the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on the world. From the stage of the AI Impact Summit, Prime Minister Modi stated that Artificial Intelligence will serve humanity only if it is shared inclusively. Beyond that, his address also mentioned the importance of “human vision” in the context of AI.
When PM Modi delivered his speech at the AI Impact Summit, neither U.S. President Donald Trump nor Chinese President Xi Jinping was present. While India is taking strides in leading AI tech innovation into the next chapter, the United States is still considered the global leader in AI, with China in second place. However, it is widely believed that China, due to its sustained investments in AI over the past few years and its vast reserves of rare earth minerals—an essential resource for future technologies and EV manufacturing—is rapidly positioning itself to dominate the AI landscape.
But the discussion is not about rivalry between AI superpowers, nor about whether the divide between the Global North and the Global South is widening or narrowing due to AI. Nor is it about the impact of AI on farming and other agricultural activities. All of these topics have already been widely discussed.
One of the most pressing questions, however, is: How will AI innovations impact our democracy and elections?
With a population of 1.4 billion, India is the world’s largest democracy. It has the largest population and the largest youth demographic. Around 970 million voters strengthen democracy through the electoral process. In India’s vibrant electoral environment, it is imperative that people understand how AI might influence democracy and elections. Will AI strengthen democracy or weaken it? What precautions must be taken in the AI era to ensure that democracy becomes more transparent, fair, and accountable?
AI Impact Summit
More than 20 heads of state and over 100 top global CEOs participated in the AI Impact Summit. Google CEO Sundar Pichai described AI as the biggest platform shift of our lifetime and said that India can achieve an extraordinary position globally with this technology. Meta CEO Alexander Wang stated that India has the full potential to become an AI powerhouse soon. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes that India is one of the fastest-growing markets for AI adoption. Adding to the stream of thought, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said AI might be able to boost India’s economy by 20 to 25 percent.
Although Altman and Amodei are pursuing similar goals of shaping the next chapter in AI development, they reportedly did not hold hands while being photographed with PM Modi. Once close associates, the differences between them stem from their approach—while OpenAI focuses on launching newer and faster products, Anthropic emphasizes security and user safety.
PM Modi observed that there are two kinds of people in the world—those who see long-term goals being fulfilled through AI, and those who fear it. India, he said, sees its future and destiny in AI.
Yet the central question remains unanswered: To what extent will AI influence the world’s largest democracy? Will the AI revolution strengthen it or weaken it?
Challenges with AI Development
The biggest challenge these new changes bring forward is how AI can be made sensitive and responsible—a global concern. While AI is rewriting the way humans think and react, it is only fair to believe that it will also impact democracy. Experts argue that whether AI strengthens or weakens democracy depends on how it is designed, regulated, and used.
AI can help streamline procedures such as cleaning voter lists. Approximately 80 million entries are added, deleted, or modified in voter lists each year. AI execution at various levels of the counting matrix can help simplify the process and eliminate chances of duplication.
Beyond that, AI can remain vigilant against wrongdoing. It can funnel and sort complaints for speedy recognition and support. AI tools can allow voters to instantly access candidates’ records and distinguish between mere promises and actual performance. If used properly, AI can make elections more transparent.
AI Algorithms to Impact Decision-Making
An estimated 1.3 billion Indians may own smartphones in the coming years. AI algorithms will significantly influence opinions and decision-making. AI-powered voter registration verification can also reduce processing time.
However, beyond the benefits, AI can lead to various risks. It can contribute to the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and deepfake campaigns, including manipulated images that damage reputations. These issues present unprecedented challenges to democracy.
AI creates four major challenges:
- It can generate viral content at low cost.
- It has no moral judgment.
- With improving quality, AI-generated content is increasingly difficult to distinguish from real content.
- False information can undermine trust in democratic institutions and election results.
AI-powered micro-targeting and bot networks can manipulate undecided voters. Thousands of coordinated social media accounts can artificially create waves of support or opposition.
Myth vs Reality
To address such issues, the Election Commission of India has launched the “Myth vs Reality” campaign. The campaign’s guidelines mandate that political parties must remove misleading AI content within three hours of notification and maintain records of AI-based campaign materials.
The IT Amendment Rules 2026 require social media platforms to remove illegal, misleading, or obscene deepfake content within three hours. All AI-generated photos and videos must contain an “AI-generated” label. Understanding the perils that AI can lead to, PM Modi has advocated authenticity labeling for digital content.
Is AI Neutral?
Ultimately, AI is neutral. It neither directly strengthens nor weakens a democracy on its own; its impact depends upon its usage. If regulated properly, AI can improve governance, ensure faster delivery of services, enhance transparency, and empower the last citizen in line. But if left unchecked, it can lead to the amplification of polarizing opinions, distrust, and inequality.
Generative AI is accelerating faster than the Industrial Revolution. Machines equipped with AI are beginning to exhibit behaviour resembling human decision-making, raising concerns about control and accountability. The world must ensure that AI remains within human control. Global North and Global South leaders, along with tech giants, must collaboratively define its limits.
Everything ultimately exists for humanity. In this era of rapid change, defining the boundaries of machines is essential for civilization itself.
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