The India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi marked a pivotal moment in international tech diplomacy. Delegations from across the globe praised India’s initiative, with Canada’s AI Minister Evan Solomon at the forefront, calling it a partnership milestone between nations.
Solomon enthused, “AI means for all. This summit has forged a brilliant new partnership between Canada, India, and all countries.” He pointed to strengthened Canada-India ties and India’s pioneering role for the Global South. With Canada’s PM set to meet Modi soon amid substantial investments, momentum is building.
Experts shared profound insights. Data.org’s Cormac Whitley marveled at India’s innovative spirit: “The event opened my eyes to what’s possible from India and how we envision AI’s future.”
Switzerland’s Verena Kontschneider highlighted safe AI discussions: “This shows AI’s next phase—responsible and secure. The key question is implementing long-debated frameworks we’ve been building for years.”
In healthcare, Soumya Swaminathan advocated AI for specialist shortages in India and Africa. “AI’s pattern recognition can read X-rays and pathology slides effectively with good training data,” she explained. However, rigorous clinical trials are essential, mirroring drug approvals, to ensure safety before public rollout. Governments must set standards for AI democratization, prioritizing public welfare over corporations.
Brazil’s envoy Kenneth da Nobrega detailed historic visits: Lula’s largest-ever delegation boosts relations in AI, defense, agriculture, energy, and health. “Modi and Lula’s personal rapport elevates this to new heights,” he said. India is emerging as an AI powerhouse, drawing the Global South into technological revolution.
Combient’s Tom Johnstone underscored industrial AI focus from Sweden. Overall, the summit positioned India as a collaborative leader in ethical AI advancement.