Artificial Intelligence – India AI Summit Secures Broad Global Support
Artificial Intelligence – India marked a significant step in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence as global leaders gathered in New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit, where 88 countries and two international organisations endorsed a joint declaration aimed at expanding equitable access to AI technologies.
The announcement was confirmed by S Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, who described the outcome as a milestone in efforts to make AI tools more widely available and beneficial across societies.
Global Backing for Inclusive AI Framework
According to officials, the declaration received signatures from major economies including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Japan and Italy. The wide participation was viewed as a reflection of growing international consensus on the need for responsible AI development.
Krishnan said the negotiations placed strong emphasis on widening access to Artificial Intelligence and ensuring it does not remain limited to a handful of countries or corporations. He noted that the summit aimed to put people at the heart of technological progress, rather than focusing solely on commercial gains.
The event, hosted at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, was described as one of the largest global gatherings dedicated to AI policy and governance. Officials stated that discussions centred on building systems that are secure, reliable and designed to serve broader social and economic goals.
Key Outcomes of the Declaration
The document adopted at the summit outlines principles for safe and resilient AI deployment. It highlights the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting transparency in algorithmic systems and ensuring accountability in AI-driven decision-making.
Participants also agreed on the need to use AI as a tool for public good, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture and climate resilience. The declaration calls for international cooperation to address risks while encouraging innovation.
Krishnan said India expects signatory nations to uphold the commitments made in New Delhi and to integrate these principles into their national AI strategies. He described the agreement as a practical step toward coordinated global governance of emerging technologies.
Government Response and Domestic Reactions
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, welcomed the broad endorsement of the declaration. He said the participation of 88 countries and organisations demonstrated trust in India’s approach to Artificial Intelligence policy.
However, the summit also witnessed protests by members of the Indian Youth Congress outside the venue. Some demonstrators staged a symbolic protest that drew criticism from government leaders. Vaishnaw said such actions were widely disapproved of, arguing that they detracted from the country’s image during an important international event.
The minister reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of human-centric AI had resonated globally. He emphasised that the framework presented by India balances economic progress with social cohesion and ethical safeguards. Safety, reliability and public trust, he said, were central themes throughout the summit.
A Milestone for the Global South
The India AI Impact Summit is being described as the first major global AI conference hosted in the Global South. Observers note that this positioning allowed developing nations to voice concerns about digital divides, affordability and technological sovereignty.
India’s approach reflects its broader development philosophy of ensuring technology benefits all sections of society. Officials said the discussions aligned with the idea that innovation must serve humanity and contribute to inclusive growth.
The summit forms part of an evolving international effort to strengthen cooperation on AI governance, risk management and societal impact. With Artificial Intelligence increasingly shaping economies and public services worldwide, the Delhi declaration is expected to influence future global conversations on technology regulation and ethical standards.