Global acclaim poured in for New Delhi’s India AI Impact Summit 2026, a first-of-its-kind event for the Global South. Canada’s Minister Evan Solomon encapsulated the spirit: “AI is for everyone, forging stellar partnerships like the one between Canada and India.”
“What an outstanding summit,” Solomon added. Canada’s PM’s impending visit to Modi signals deepening commitments, backed by major investments. India’s leadership exemplifies equitable AI access.
Diverse perspectives enriched the discourse. Cormac Whitley of Data.org was struck by India’s youth-driven innovations: “Eye-opening to witness India’s capabilities and forward-thinking AI vision.”
OpenData.ch’s Verena Kontschneider focused on accountability: “This previews AI’s responsible future. We’ve talked safe AI extensively—now, how do we operationalize decade-old principles?”
Soumya Swaminathan spotlighted medical breakthroughs: AI addresses doctor shortages via precise diagnostics, but demands validation like pharmaceuticals. “Clinical trials for efficacy and safety are non-negotiable before deployment,” she stressed. For true democratization, governments must enforce benchmarks and governance, ensuring AI serves public interests, particularly in India.
Brazilian Ambassador Kenneth da Nobrega highlighted Lula’s mega-delegation: 11+ ministers, 300+ executives. “Bilateral ties hit historic peaks, fueled by Modi-Lula friendship,” he noted. Collaborations span AI, digital, defense, ag, energy, health—India leads Global South into AI transformation, becoming a prime hub.
Sweden’s Combient Chairman Tom Johnstone promoted AI in industry. The summit crystallized India’s pivotal role in shaping a fair, innovative AI landscape.