Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s minister for IT and digital economy, is one of the most influential policymakers shaping India’s AI landscape, AIM said.
Published Aug 12, 2025 | 12:23 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 12, 2025 | 12:30 PM
Minister Priyank Kharge. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, a Kerala-cadre, 1980-batch IAS officer, too, figure among the top policymakers in AI.
Two ministers of South Indian states are among the top 10 policymakers in Analytics India Magazine (AIM)’s list of India’s 100 Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence.
Telangana’s Minister for IT, Electronics, and Communications, Duddila Sridhar Babu, and Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge have been ranked among India’s top AI policymakers.
Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Former CEO of NITI Aayog and India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, a Kerala-cadre, 1980-batch IAS officer, too, figure among the top 11.
Former Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar, currently the president of the Kerala BJP unit, too, has been included among the top policymakers for playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s digital future.
“Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s minister for IT and digital economy, is one of the most influential policymakers shaping India’s AI landscape,” AIM said.
“With a forward-thinking vision, Kharge has been instrumental in drafting and implementing Karnataka’s AI policy, one of the most progressive in the country. His leadership marks a decisive shift toward inclusive, ethical, and human-centred AI adoption across sectors,” it added.
“An advocate for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, Kharge has driven several pioneering initiatives. Among them is the Beyond Bengaluru project, aimed at decentralising innovation and tech growth beyond the capital city, thereby fostering talent and opportunity across the state. He also oversaw the launch of India’s first centre of excellence for artificial intelligence, further cementing Karnataka’s position as a national leader in digital innovation,” AIM noted.
“Kharge’s governance is notably youth-focused and inclusive. He envisions AI not just as a driver of economic growth but as a tool for the public good, actively promoting its application in governance, agriculture, education, and public health. His approach strikes a balance between innovation and accountability, promoting responsible AI development that benefits both citizens and the tech ecosystem.
Under his guidance, Karnataka has emerged as a preferred destination for global AI players, while also creating fertile ground for startups and homegrown talent,” AIM said, while appreciating his expertise in tech policy, responsible AI, and digital governance.
While lauding Sridhar Babu, Telangana’s minister for IT, electronics and communications, industries and commerce, and legislative affairs, AIM said he has been steering the state into an AI-powered future.
“A seasoned legislator and former advocate, Sridhar Babu combines legal acumen with policy vision to champion digital innovation and inclusive growth. Under his leadership, Telangana is embracing emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and Industry 4.0 to foster job creation, empower youth, and attract global tech investments,” it added.
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