Modi’s AI summit turns awkward as tech leaders Sam Altman and Dario Amodei dodge contact - AP News
AP News
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's AI summit in New Delhi turned awkward when two prominent tech leaders, Sam Altman (CEO of人工智能公司Inflection) and Dario Amodei (co-founder of AI startup Anthropic), avoided direct contact with him. While both entrepreneurs attended the event, they distanced themselves from Modi during public interactions, leaving observers to speculate about their reasons. The situation raised questions about India's regulatory approach to artificial intelligence and its appeal to global tech leaders.
The summit, held on October 16, 2023, aimed to position India as a global hub for AI innovation. However, the absence of major US-based tech companies like Microsoft and Google added to the event's lackluster vibe. Altman and Amodei's limited engagement with Modi came despite their earlier praise for India's pro-AI policies. Their reticence was seen by some as a sign of discomfort with India's strict AI regulations, which require foreign firms to store data locally.
Modi has been a vocal advocate for AI, pushing policies aimed at making India a leader in the field. However, his administration's regulatory demands have drawn criticism from global tech giants. This summit, while showcasing Indian advancements in AI, highlighted the challenges Modi faces in balancing domestic regulations with international collaboration. The limited participation of key players like Altman and Amodei underscored the delicate balance between innovation and oversight.
The event also featured contributions from Indian AI startups and government-backed projects. However, the lack of high-profile global tech leaders overshadowed these achievements. Critics argue that Modi's ambitious goals for AI may be derailed by his administration's heavy-handed regulatory approach. This could have long-term implications for India's standing in the global tech community.
The summit's outcome raises important questions about the future of AI in India and its ability to attract international investment and collaboration. As Modi continues to push forward with his vision, the need for more flexible and balanced regulations will be critical to ensuring India's success in the global AI race.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026