Former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka Meets PM Narendra Modi for In-Depth Discussion on AI’s Future in India
New Delhi: Former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Saturday for a comprehensive and wide-ranging discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for India’s future. Sikka expressed his appreciation for the meeting, acknowledging the prime minister’s deep understanding of technology and its potential to enhance democratic values and uplift society.
“It was a privilege to meet the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a detailed and wide-ranging discussion on AI, its impact on India, and the essential steps ahead. I left the meeting both inspired and humbled by his extraordinary grasp of technology’s influence and how it can be used to empower everyone in alignment with democratic principles,” Sikka shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Prime Minister Modi responded, “It was an insightful interaction indeed. India is committed to taking the lead in AI, with a strong emphasis on innovation and creating opportunities for our youth.”
Vishal Sikka: A Pioneer in AI and Tech Innovation
Vishal Sikka, who holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from Gujarat University and a Ph.D. in AI from Stanford University, has been a prominent figure in the tech world. Before leading Infosys, Sikka served in several technology firms, bringing innovative solutions to the forefront.
Sikka made history in 2014 when he became the first non-founder CEO of Infosys. During his tenure, he drove a transformation within the company, focusing on next-generation services such as cloud computing, automation, and analytics. Sikka introduced the “Zero Distance” initiative, which encouraged employees to directly engage with customers and address challenges at every level. This initiative reinforced Infosys’ commitment to delivering exceptional service and value.
Under Sikka’s leadership, Infosys also launched its AI platform, NIA (Next-Generation Integrated Artificial Intelligence), designed to automate repetitive tasks and provide advanced analytics, helping clients reduce operational costs. Additionally, Sikka spearheaded the creation of Infosys Mana, an AI-powered knowledge platform aimed at driving innovation and efficiency in business operations.
Sikka’s leadership, however, ended in 2017 following differences with the company’s founders over governance issues. Despite his resignation, his legacy in AI and digital transformation remains strong within the tech industry.
Exploring AI’s Future in India
The conversation between Sikka and PM Modi is part of India’s growing focus on AI innovation. With India keen on advancing in AI and positioning itself as a global leader, discussions like these are critical for shaping policies and strategies that can foster the adoption of AI across various sectors.
India’s vision for AI includes empowering its youth with the tools and knowledge needed to harness the technology’s potential. The government is also exploring ways to use AI to drive economic growth, solve complex societal challenges, and enhance public services.
Perplexity AI’s CEO Meets PM Modi
On Sunday, Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, also met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss the potential of AI adoption in India. “We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and worldwide,” Srinivas noted, further emphasizing the importance of AI for India’s future economic growth and technological advancement.
Both discussions underscore India’s commitment to positioning AI as a pivotal force in shaping the nation’s development and global standing in the coming years.
