Global leaders to present joint approach to AI at India summit close
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Global leaders and ministers gathered at India's AI Impact Summit in New Delhi are set to unveil a joint approach to artificial intelligence (AI) governance as the summit concludes after five days of discussions. The event has brought together world leaders, tech CEOs, and policymakers to address the rapid advancements and risks posed by generative AI. OpenAI chief Sam Altman emphasized the urgent need for regulation, citing concerns about societal impacts, environmental strains, and the concentration of power in a single company or country. While some argue that stronger oversight is necessary to mitigate emerging issues like job displacement, online abuse, and energy consumption from data centers, others caution against overregulation stifling innovation.
The summit, attended by tens of thousands of AI industry professionals, has highlighted both opportunities and challenges. Topics ranging from child protection to global access to AI tools have been discussed, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for AI's use as a "global common good." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proposed a $3 billion fund to enhance AI skills and make computing power more accessible, urging that the future of AI not be left in the hands of a few nations or billionaires. The summit also reflects India's growing ambitions to compete with global tech giants like the United States and China, particularly as the country aims to attract over $200 billion in AI investments over the next two years.
The discussions underscored the importance of establishing shared principles and language for governing powerful technologies. While vague commitments from previous summits may not lead to concrete actions, experts highlight that such gatherings are crucial for setting a common framework on risks and acceptable thresholds. The summit's focus on collaboration contrasts with concerns about AI centralization and its potential to disrupt industries or exacerbate global inequalities. As the world navigates this rapidly evolving landscape, balancing innovation with ethical considerations remains a pressing challenge.
This summit marks a significant step in shaping AI governance on a global scale, particularly as developing nations like India seek to play a pivotal role in the technology's future. The discussions not only address immediate concerns
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/20/2026