New Delhi: The Digital India BHASHINI Division and Kathmandu University have explored opportunities for collaboration in language artificial intelligence (AI), with discussions focusing on strengthening technologies for Nepali and other local languages.

Officials of the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, held an interactive session with Kathmandu University's Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence (DPI-AI) and later met the university's Vice Chancellor.

The discussions focused on developing and strengthening language models for underrepresented languages, including Nepali, Newari, Tamang and Gurung, besides traditional scripts such as Prachalit Lipi and Ranjana Lipi.

The two sides also discussed the challenges of building high-quality and representative language datasets, improving translation capabilities and meeting computing requirements for training and scaling language models.

The engagement further explored the potential for voice-based solutions and real-world applications that could improve digital access and experiences in local languages.

BHASHINI said the collaboration could bring together technology, research and local language expertise to advance language AI in Nepal.

The Digital India BHASHINI Division is India's national platform for AI-powered multilingual digital inclusion and supports Indian and international languages across text and voice-based services.