New Delhi witnessed a landmark convergence of policymakers, technocrats, and AI thought leaders at the SAS FutureGov AI Summit 2025, organised by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with SAS, at The Taj Hotel, New Delhi. The summit delivered high-impact discussions and thought leadership on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are redefining the landscape of public service delivery and accelerating the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
From a houseful of visionaries to power-packed sessions, the summit proved to be a dynamic forum where innovation met governance. With senior government officials, domain experts, and technology pioneers in attendance, the summit sent a resounding message: India is ready to lead the next era of AI-powered, citizen-centric governance.
A Radiant Beginning
The day began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, symbolising the dawn of innovation in governance. Dignitaries, including Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, and leaders from SAS set the stage for a day of visionary deliberations.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Delivering the welcome note, Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia, highlighted the transformative impact of AI on everyday governance and the power of turning data into decisions. This was followed by an address by Radha Krishna B, Director, Customer Advisory, SAS Institute India, who underscored the importance of building smarter governance frameworks through AI and analytics.
Keynote Address
In a compelling keynote, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Secretary, Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted how AI is poised to transform not only governance but society itself, calling it a foundational platform for the future of public administration.
Special Address
Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology & CEO of the India AI Mission, presented a national vision where AI is central to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. He stressed AI’s role in boosting productivity, transforming agriculture, and enhancing individual and institutional efficiency across sectors.
Economist Impact Report Launch
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the Economist Impact Report, sponsored by SAS. The report spotlighted how data analytics and cybersecurity are among the top AI use cases reshaping governance globally. The findings provided an evidence-based roadmap for AI adoption in India’s public sector, with contributions from Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Radha Krishna B, Dr. Ravi Gupta, and Abhishek Singh.
Power-Packed Panel Discussions
Several thought-provoking panel discussions followed throughout the day:
Securing Trust in the Digital Era
Senior officials from ministries and public sector undertakings, including representatives from MoHFW, DDA, CRIS, NPS Trust, ESIC, REC Limited, and SAS, discussed how AI is strengthening risk management and combating financial fraud in an increasingly digital public sector.
Data-Driven Governance Empowering Viksit Bharat
Leaders from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and SAS Asia-Pacific highlighted how real-time data and analytics are powering smarter, faster decisions in infrastructure, water management, and logistics, laying the foundation for India’s $30 trillion vision.
Predictive Governance for Proactive Public Services
Senior representatives from the Indian Ports Association, Agriculture Insurance Company of India, and SAS India, with moderation by Dr. Ravi Gupta, explored how AI enables public services to anticipate needs, rather than just respond to them, redefining governance itself.
High-Impact Presentations
- Satyajit Dwivedi, Regional Director at SAS EMEAP, presented insights on AI-driven IoT and the role of digital twins in smart infrastructure, emphasising the need for inter-ministerial data interoperability.
- Sudhanshu Sharma, Senior Business Manager, SAS, shared cutting-edge strategies for managing financial risk using AI, emphasising the importance of responsible AI adoption.
- Kumar Saurabh Raj, Director, Ministry of Civil Aviation, delivered a fascinating historical and technical overview of AI in aviation security, offering policy recommendations to mitigate surveillance, bias, and cyber risks.
Conclusion
The SAS FutureGov AI Summit 2025 succeeded in highlighting how AI is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic necessity for the future of governance. The event served as a powerful call to action for government bodies, policy architects, and technology partners to co-create an intelligent, efficient, and inclusive governance ecosystem.
For full video highlights, expert insights, and the Economist Impact Report, visit:
👉 events.eletsonline.com/futuregov-ai
👉 www.sas.com/en/offers/public-sector-productivity
Stay tuned for more from Elets Technomedia — where innovation meets impact.