IMF Admires India's AI Rise, Blames Moderator for Vaishnaw Clash
Georgieva praised India's reforms, digital infrastructure, and skilled workforce while downplaying the exchange as a minor issue at Davos.
International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Tuesday sought to clarify a public exchange with India’s Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over India’s global ranking in artificial intelligence, describing the episode as a “small hiccup” and attributing the confusion to the event’s moderator.
Speaking to NDTV’s Vishnu Som on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Georgieva stressed that the IMF holds India’s technological progress in high regard. She said the organization has “deep admiration” for India’s advances, particularly in reforms, digital public infrastructure, and the strength of its IT-skilled workforce.
Georgieva explained that the controversy arose due to a misrepresentation during a panel discussion, suggesting that the moderator’s framing of the issue led to the misunderstanding. “It was the moderator,” she said, adding that the IMF’s position on India’s AI development had been inaccurately conveyed during the exchange.
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The clarification follows remarks made by Ashwini Vaishnaw, who publicly disagreed with a suggestion that India was lagging behind in artificial intelligence capabilities. The minister had pointed to India’s growing ecosystem, policy initiatives, and talent pool as evidence of the country’s strong position in the global AI landscape.
Reiterating the IMF’s positive assessment, Georgieva highlighted India’s digital transformation as a key driver of its economic and technological growth. She noted that India’s investments in digital public infrastructure have created a strong foundation for innovation, including in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Georgieva is expected to visit India later this year to attend the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026, where discussions are likely to focus on the country’s AI strategy and its role in the global technology ecosystem. The IMF chief said she looks forward to continued engagement with Indian policymakers on technology-driven growth and development.
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