India's AI governance push takes center stage at summit

Deutsche Welle

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

India hosted a significant artificial intelligence (AI) summit in New Delhi, attended by global tech leaders and world leaders, aiming to establish itself as a key player in the AI race. The event focused on responsible AI use, emphasizing human-centric and sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need for AI to address challenges faced by developing nations while ensuring ethical deployment. The summit came after similar events in other countries, such as South Korea's 2024 gathering and Paris's 2025 focus on governance. India’s event, titled the "AI Impact Summit," aimed to promote inclusive growth and sustainability, positioning itself as a voice for the Global South. However, while India may not be developing cutting-edge AI models, its efforts to shape global AI discourse are notable. Domestically, India is grappling with enforcing responsible AI use. New regulations require social media platforms to remove flagged AI-generated content within hours, targeting deepfakes and synthetic information. While these rules aim to prevent misuse, experts question their effectiveness, as content spreads rapidly online, often before it can be removed. Such measures may inadvertently restrict free expression and innovation. The summit highlights India’s growing influence in AI governance but also exposes gaps in its legal framework. The 2000 Information Technology Act lacks clarity on liability and accountability for AI-generated content, leaving courts to interpret outdated laws. This lack of clear regulations raises concerns about compliance and fair enforcement, particularly as platforms may over-remove content to avoid penalties. India’s push to regulate AI reflects a broader global shift toward ethical deployment, especially in developing nations. While the summit generated international attention, its long-term impact will depend on how effectively India can implement its policies and collaborate with other countries to shape a shared vision for responsible AI use.

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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/20/2026