“It’s a reformist idea whose time has come,” says Dikshu Kukreja on Albania’s AI minister

In an exclusive interview with India Today Global, Honorary Consul General of Albania to India, Dikshu Kukreja, discusses how Albania has made history by becoming the first country in the world to appoint an Artificial Intelligence (AI) minister. The AI system, named Diella, has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of overseeing public procurement to ensure fairness, transparency, and eliminate corruption—one of the most sensitive areas in governance. The move, announced under the leadership of Prime Minister Edi Rama, reflects Albania’s bold and reformist vision as it works toward European Union membership. Diella, meaning “Sun” in Albanian, was first introduced in 2025 as a virtual assistant through the e-Albania platform, helping citizens access government services. Having proven its reliability, it has now been elevated to a ministerial role, institutionalising AI in political management for the first time in history. Experts believe this landmark step not only strengthens Albania’s anti-corruption reforms but also sets a global precedent that could inspire other countries to integrate AI into governance systems.

Q: In this day and age, everyone is talking about artificial intelligence, its future, possible governance mechanisms, and whether AI itself could govern. Amid this debate, we are witnessing history in the making. Albania has appointed an AI minister to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption in public procurement. A very interesting development indeed, Diella, the AI minister. Tell us more about what this means for Albania.

Dikshu Kukreja: Pleasure to be speaking with you, Geeta. Yes, this is a breakthrough in political management and administration. It’s a reformist idea whose time has come. At the outset, let me clarify—many assume Diella is a woman minister. That’s not the case. Diella is an AI system entrusted with this responsibility. It is a leap of faith in technology, showing Albania’s progressive vision and actions.

Q: What stands out is that Diella has been appointed specifically for public procurement. Why procurement and not a broader portfolio like technology or governance?

Dikshu Kukreja: That’s a great question. Prime Minister Edi Rama has always pushed radical but transformative ideas. As mayor of Tirana for three terms, he reshaped the city from the dull remnants of communism into a vibrant, colourful European capital. This reflects his visionary mindset. Now, with Albania aspiring to join the European Union, tackling corruption is critical. Public procurement is often the area most prone to malpractice. By entrusting AI with this responsibility, Albania is sending a strong message—it wants fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Q: The name Diella means “Sun” in Albanian. It first appeared in 2025 as a virtual assistant. How has it evolved into this ministerial role?

Dikshu Kukreja: Exactly. Diella began as part of the e-Albania platform, helping citizens access government services. It proved reliable in that role. Now it has been elevated to ensure procurement transparency. By giving Diella a ministerial identity, Albania is institutionalizing AI in governance. Once procurement criteria are set by parliament and government, AI can apply them objectively, without prejudice or favouritism.

Q: Procurement systems are complicated. Surely, some human intervention will still be required?

Dikshu Kukreja: True. Human intervention will remain in cases of disputes or appeals. But the biggest source of disputes is subjectivity in human decision-making. Once rules are scientifically and objectively defined, AI can apply them fairly. The goal is to eliminate manipulation.

Q: This also seems like a strong message to the European Union, Albania, showing it is corruption-free and ready for membership.

Dikshu Kukreja: You are absolutely right. EU accession requires transparency and anti-corruption reforms. By placing AI at the heart of procurement, Albania demonstrates it is serious about eliminating misuse of power. It’s both a domestic reform and an international signal that Albania is a modern, fair democracy.

Q: Do you believe other countries will follow this path? Could this become a global trend?

Dikshu Kukreja: I strongly believe so. Procurement is vulnerable to corruption worldwide. If AI can bring fairness and eliminate bias, governments will be quick to adopt similar systems. Within a few years, we may see many countries appointing AI ministers or creating AI-driven governance platforms. Albania is the first mover, but certainly not the last.

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