Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting the country’s strength in mass adoption and deployment of advanced technologies.
Speaking at an event during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Mr Sunak noted that India demonstrates remarkable optimism and trust toward AI. He contrasted this with the prevailing sentiment in many Western nations, where anxiety about AI’s rapid expansion remains dominant.
“Leadership in technology is not just about inventing it; it’s about how effectively you deploy it,” Mr Sunak said, underlining India’s practical and inclusive approach to AI development.
Strong Talent Pool and Digital Infrastructure
The former UK Prime Minister emphasised that India’s focus on large-scale AI adoption is supported by a deep talent pool, robust digital public infrastructure, and a society that is broadly supportive of technological advancement.
Citing global benchmarks, Mr Sunak pointed out that in the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy 2025 report, India has been ranked third worldwide for AI competitiveness and ecosystem vibrancy, reinforcing its growing influence in the global AI landscape.
India AI Impact Summit 2026
India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20, bringing together world leaders, technology experts, innovators, CEOs, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of Artificial Intelligence and its role in fostering inclusive growth and global development.
The summit is expected to further strengthen India’s position as a major hub for AI innovation, governance, and scalable deployment.
