Pitroda stressed that India has significant potential in technology because of its large talent pool, growing digital infrastructure and expanding startup ecosystem. However, he suggested that the country needs a clearer and more practical approach to AI if it wants to compete with leading nations. According to Pitroda, India's AI strategy should not be limited to developing advanced technologies for commercial purposes. He called for greater attention to problems that directly affect ordinary citizens, including education, healthcare, agriculture, governance and access to essential public services.

His comments come at a time when countries across the world are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, with governments and technology companies competing to develop increasingly advanced AI systems. India has also been expanding its efforts in the sector, but questions remain about infrastructure, computing capacity, research investment and the availability of highly skilled talent. Pitroda emphasised the importance of developing solutions that are relevant to India's unique needs. Instead of merely trying to replicate technologies developed elsewhere, he argued that Indian researchers and companies should explore how AI can be adapted to solve large scale domestic problems.

The remarks have sparked discussion about India's broader technology priorities. With AI rapidly transforming industries and workplaces, experts have increasingly highlighted the need for investment not only in technology but also in research, education and human skills. Pitroda's comments also underline the challenge of ensuring that the benefits of AI reach a wider section of society. For a country as large and diverse as India, AI applications in areas such as public healthcare, education, rural development and government services could potentially have a significant social impact. As the global AI race continues to accelerate, the debate over India's role in the sector is likely to grow. Pitroda's call for a public focused approach puts the emphasis on using artificial intelligence not simply as a symbol of technological progress, but as a tool for solving some of the country's most pressing challenges.