AI Impact Summit 2026: Reflections on India’s Unique Flavours

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has brought together prominent voices in global technology to the capital, igniting discussions about artificial intelligence while simultaneously provoking quieter reflections on daily life in India.

Personal Reflections from Sara Hooker

Among those expressing personal insights was Sara Hooker, co-founder and CEO of Adaption. Rather than focusing on algorithms or policies, she directed her attention to an unexpected subject: fruit.

During her time in Delhi, Hooker shared a photo of freshly sliced produce on X, mentioning that one aspect she would greatly miss about Delhi is fruit that truly embodies its flavour.

In her post, she remarked that for anyone raised outside the United States, there exists a noticeable difference in taste, noting that fruit in the US can sometimes seem “sanitised” compared to the vivid freshness found in local markets across other regions.

Her message quickly gained traction online, with many users agreeing that the taste, fragrance, and seasonality of fruit feel much stronger in India. Some commented that this difference can be attributed to the presence of traditional or “desi” varieties, while others explained the unique sensory experience of purchasing produce from neighbourhood mandis, where aesthetic imperfections often enhance aroma and flavour.

Observations Beyond Fruit

In addition to her thoughts on fruit, Hooker shared various snapshots of daily life that intrigued her throughout the trip. She was pleasantly surprised to find Bata as a well-known high-street brand, documented her initial experience with the much-loved Parle-G biscuit, and joked about navigating the notoriously congested traffic of the city.

These light-hearted insights provided a refreshing contrast to the summit’s serious discussions concerning AI’s worldwide impact, demonstrating how visits focused on advanced technology can still be highlighted by subtle cultural nuances—like the taste of a juicy mango or ripe papaya.

Within a gathering centred on the machinery of the future, it served as a reminder that human experiences, especially those tied to our senses, are difficult to replicate.