Voice AI could bridge the gap between India's AI haves and have-nots

India’s AI adoption faces a language barrier, with only 10% of users comfortable with English interfaces. The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) highlights that voice AI could unlock access for over 90% of users who prefer regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, or Bengali. Companies like Bengaluru-based Gnani.ai, part of India’s AI mission, are developing sovereign voice AI models to remove literacy and language barriers. Navnit Nakra, partner at PwC India, describes voice AI as an inclusion platform, transforming sectors like banking, healthcare, and education. Nasscom estimates voice AI could onboard 300 million Indians onto digital platforms, making it a tool for productivity and service transformation. For rural users—548 million active internet users—voice simplifies tasks like scheduling appointments or checking loan details without navigating text-heavy interfaces. Krisp, a voice infrastructure company, began as a noise-cancellation tool but now processes 80 billion minutes of voice conversations monthly. Its AI-powered technologies include accent conversion and voice translation, addressing real-world communication challenges. CEO Davit Baghdasaryan noted the tool’s origins in personal frustration with noisy environments, evolving into a broader voice AI solution. Voice AI eliminates the need for typing prompts, allowing users to interact naturally in their local language. This approach benefits first-generation AI users, including farmers checking insurance status or patients scheduling healthcare visits. The technology’s scalability positions it as a key enabler for India’s digital inclusion, ensuring AI benefits extend beyond urban, English-speaking elites.