At AI summit, Prime Minister Modi pitches India as global hub for artificial intelligence

Fast Company Tech

by Associated Press

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's role as a global hub for artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. He stressed the importance of "designing, developing, and delivering" AI solutions that cater to both domestic needs and international markets, particularly focusing on cost-effective and inclusive technologies for developing nations. Modi highlighted India’s digital infrastructure, such as its universal ID system and online payments platform, as models for scalable AI deployment. The summit also saw support from global leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who advocated for a $3 billion fund to aid poorer countries in building AI capabilities. India is leveraging its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets to attract significant investments. Tech giants Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have committed billions to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in India, with plans for AI hubs and digitization projects. However, despite these efforts, India faces challenges in developing large-scale AI models comparable to those from the U.S. or China. Issues like limited access to advanced semiconductor chips, data centers, and the complexity of managing hundreds of local languages hinder progress. The summit aimed to position India as a bridge between advanced economies and the Global South, promoting AI as a tool for inclusion and empowerment. Modi’s vision aligns with broader global concerns about democratizing AI, ensuring it benefits everyone rather than being monopolized by a few countries or corporations. The challenges faced during the summit, such as organizational issues and allegations of misrepresentation by exhibitors, underscored the complexities of hosting such high-stakes events. For readers interested in design and technology, India’s approach to AI presents an intriguing case study. By focusing on cost-effective solutions and scalability, India offers lessons for other nations aiming to integrate AI into their infrastructure. The country’s emphasis on inclusivity and low

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/19/2026