India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit 2026
The summit, held in New Delhi, was a pivotal event in global technology diplomacy with representation from over 100 countries. It concluded with the adoption of the “New Delhi Declaration” by 88 countries and international organizations.
Key Pillars of the Declaration
- Democratising AI resources.
- Economic growth and social good.
- Trusted and secure AI systems.
- Human-capital development.
- Guided by the principle of Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya (Welfare for all, Happiness of all).
Global Representation and India's Role
The summit's endorsements from countries like the United States, China, the UK, and the EU highlight India's role as a bridge between the Global North and South, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s call for a “global compact on AI”.
Investment Commitments
- Total investment commitments exceeded $250 billion.
- Reliance Industries and Jio planned a near $110 billion investment in AI and data infrastructure.
- The Adani group committed $100 billion to renewable-powered AI-ready data centers.
- Microsoft announced a $50 billion initiative to expand AI capabilities in the Global South.
- Yotta pledged over $2 billion towards AI hub development.
AI Alliances and Initiatives
- OpenAI partnered with Tata Consultancy Services to build AI infrastructure.
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the launch of the Indus chat app, a multilingual platform developed by Sarvam AI.
Mr. Modi’s "MANAV Vision for AI"
- Moral and ethical systems.
- Accountable governance.
- National sovereignty over data.
- Accessible inclusion.
- Valid, legitimate AI.
Challenges and Future Directions
- Ethical and legal challenges: deepfakes, biometric surveillance, intellectual property in AI models.
- Need for global accountability and enforceable standards.
- India requires a robust policy framework for responsible AI development and adoption.
The summit positioned India to make significant advancements in AI, necessitating readiness to embrace and drive changes to achieve its aspirations.
