AI as an Emerging Mental Health Tool in Digital India: Implications for India's Social and Health Transformation

Mental health has emerged as a major public health and developmental challenge in India, characterized by a high burden of mental disorders, wide treatment gaps, and an acute shortage of mental health professionals. In the context of India’s rapidly expanding digital health ecosystem, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a potential system-level solution to enhance mental health service delivery. Method: This study adopted a narrative review approach with a structured search of open-access peer-reviewed literature, relevant studies published between 2014 and 2025 were gathered from databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO reports, Government of India reports to examine the role of AI in mental health care within the framework of Digital India. Findings: The review indicates that AI-enabled tools such as conversational agents, digital screening systems, and decision-support technologies can support early identification, task-sharing, and continuity of care, thereby complementing existing mental health services. However, ethical, social, and policy challenges related to data privacy, equity, and human oversight remain critical. Overall, AI holds promise as a complementary tool for strengthening India’s mental health system and supporting broader social and health transformation when implemented responsibly.