Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and American economist Steve Hanke have expressed strong backing for India’s increasing influence in the global artificial intelligence sector at the AI Impact Summit. Kapur commended the significant presence of young individuals at the event, noting the overflowing auditorium with enthusiastic students eager to delve into AI topics. He highlighted the potential for India to emerge as a leading force in artificial intelligence, driven by the youth’s enthusiasm and inquisitiveness.
Kapur stressed the importance of approaching AI development from an Indian perspective, urging the country to tailor its AI journey to local contexts rather than solely relying on Western models. He emphasized that India’s AI evolution will originate from the grassroots level, where technology is most essential and innovation driven by necessity flourishes. Kapur underscored the significance of genuine, necessity-based insights at the grassroots level in shaping India’s AI strategy.
On the other hand, American economist Steve Hanke acknowledged India’s advocacy for the “Global AI Commons” initiative at the summit. Hanke highlighted AI pioneer Yann LeCun’s endorsement of open and collaborative artificial intelligence endeavors, recognizing India’s pivotal role in shaping the global AI landscape. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering India in the right direction concerning AI policy and innovation.
The AI Impact Summit, spanning five days, has drawn participation from over 110 countries and 30 international organizations, with approximately 20 heads of state or government and around 45 ministers in attendance. The summit serves as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and students worldwide to deliberate on the ethical, economic, and strategic aspects of artificial intelligence. India is positioning itself as a key driver of inclusive and collaborative AI development.
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 marks the fourth edition in the series, following previous editions in the UK (Bletchley Park, 2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025). The summit provides a forum for leaders to explore the ethical, economic, and social impacts of AI while fostering partnerships across digital technology, culture, tourism, and maritime cooperation.
