The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) has introduced real-time English-Spanish translation at an international training programme for civil servants organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie. The initiative uses AI-powered speech translation to help participants from different countries communicate more easily and exchange ideas on governance and urban service delivery.
AI Translation Supports International Collaboration
The initiative was implemented by DIBD, operating under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), through its Shrutlekh platform.
The programme is sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and organised by NCGG under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). It forms part of India’s international capacity-building efforts under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
Civil servants and public-sector representatives from Peru, Cambodia, Nigeria, Kenya, Palestine, Lebanon, The Gambia, Ecuador and Spain are participating in the programme. The sessions provide an opportunity to share experiences and discuss approaches to improving governance and urban services.
Shrutlekh Bridges Language Barriers
Shrutlekh was used during the programme’s introductory session to provide two-way translation between English and Spanish. The technology helped participants follow conversations and take part in discussions despite differences in language.
The BHASHINI team also guided delegates on how to use the platform and introduced them to the wider multilingual AI ecosystem. Participants were encouraged to explore the BHASHINI mobile application and its tools for language translation in everyday communication and digital interactions.
The platform is intended to remain available throughout the programme until October 23, subject to operational requirements.
Advancing Multilingual AI in Public Services
The deployment reflects BHASHINI’s voice-first approach to multilingual artificial intelligence, which focuses on making digital communication more accessible through speech-based language technologies.
By reducing language barriers, such tools can help international training programmes become more inclusive and enable participants to exchange knowledge more effectively. The initiative also demonstrates how AI-based translation can support cross-cultural engagement in public administration.
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BHASHINI’s use at the NCGG programme highlights the potential of India’s multilingual digital technologies to strengthen international cooperation and improve access to information across language communities.