India's AI ambitions reflect global tech competition, colonial legacies, and labor exploitation in digital economies

India's AI ambitions are rooted in a complex interplay of colonial legacies, corporate interests, and labor exploitation.

The summit's focus on techno-nationalism obscures the structural inequalities in AI development, where Western firms benefit from Indian labor and data. Historical parallels, such as the British East India Company's extractive economy, reveal how AI hubs replicate digital colonialism. Marginalized voices, including indigenous communities and gig workers, are excluded from AI governance, perpetuating inequality. Cross-cultural critiques highlight the need for culturally grounded AI models that prioritize public welfare over corporate profit. Future scenarios suggest that without systemic reforms, India's AI push could deepen inequality and ecological harm. To address these challenges, decentralized governance, green infrastructure, ethical labor standards, and cross-cultural education are essential pathways toward a more equitable AI future.