In a groundbreaking moment for India’s digital revolution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed a live demonstration of indigenous AI technology on an HMD Nokia feature phone at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The event marked the announcement of a strategic partnership between HMD India and startup Sarvam AI, aimed at bringing advanced personal assistant features to millions who rely on basic feature phones.
HMD India, known for its Nokia-branded devices, showcased how Sarvam’s AI can deliver real-time speech recognition, translation, and text-to-speech capabilities in 10 Indian languages—all without an internet connection. This offline prowess highlights the robustness of on-device AI, making cutting-edge technology accessible even in remote areas with limited connectivity.
Ravi Kunwar, Vice President and CEO of HMD India and APAC, described the occasion as a proud milestone. ‘Presenting homegrown AI capabilities on a feature phone before the Prime Minister is a testament to our commitment to democratizing technology,’ he stated. The partnership aligns perfectly with the summit’s theme of ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’—technology for the welfare and happiness of all.
Coming months will see multiple AI-powered feature phone models hitting the market, bridging the digital divide for non-smartphone users. Sarvam AI, developed under the IndiaAI Mission, emphasizes India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, enabling voice-based interactions in local languages for daily tasks, information access, and digital services.
This initiative sets a new benchmark for inclusive AI innovation, positioning India as a global leader in accessible technology. By empowering feature phone users—over a billion strong—with AI, the collaboration promises to transform lives across socioeconomic strata, fostering a truly digital India.