ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A PATH FORWARD FOR INDIA

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies worldwide, serving as a catalyst for innovation and offering potential solutions to pressing global challenges. For India, AI presents a unique opportunity to address long-standing developmental issues such as resource inefficiency, economic disparity, and environmental sustainability. This paper delves into the transformative role of AI in fostering sustainable economic development within the Indian context, with a particular focus on key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, and urban planning. How AI can revolutionize agricultural practices through precision farming, optimize healthcare delivery via advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans, enhance educational outcomes through adaptive learning systems, and promote sustainable urban development through smart city initiatives. By analyzing these specific applications, the paper highlights the potential of AI to drive efficiency, improve resource allocation, and create more equitable access to essential services. Paper also acknowledges the significant challenges that India must overcome to fully realize the benefits of AI. These challenges include the persistent digital divide, which limits access to technology and digital literacy; ethical concerns surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and job displacement; and the current regulatory gaps that hinder responsible AI development and deployment.