The UNDP’s recent publication titled “The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries” highlights the dual potential of AI  it can either deepen development divides or serve as a transforming force for equitable growth. 

In India’s case, the report points to several strengths:

An extensive digital-health infrastructure base, including immunisation systems, vaccine-delivery networks, and nationwide digital platforms that make scalable health services possible. 
A rapidly growing AI-skills ecosystem, with improvements in AI talent retention and increasing adoption of AI tools across sectors including healthcare. 
Existing examples where AI already amplifies public-health work  from screening programs (e.g. AI-enabled chest X-rays for tuberculosis) to data-driven health service delivery. 

But UNDP cautions that these advantages must be matched by deliberate policy and governance action: AI deployment must prioritise transparency, data-privacy, inclusivity (especially for rural populations, women and youth), and equitable access. Otherwise, the benefits risk accruing only to already-advantaged groups. igi, UNDP India’s Resident Representative: “India’s digital strengths give it a head start in building an AI future that works for everyon The real test is ensuring these gains reach every community.” 

With the right regulatory frameworks and inclusive design, UNDP suggests India can provide a blueprint for how AI can support achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals not just domestically but for other low- and middle-income nations as well.