India AI Impact Summit 2026: Vision for AI Focused on Human Safety

On February 19, during a keynote speech at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw presented a future vision for artificial intelligence (AI) that prioritises human safety and dignity. Vaishnaw emphasised the need for an AI era that is designed for humans, by humans, and fundamentally of humans.

IT Minister Calls for India’s “Intelligence Age”

In his address, Vaishnaw engaged with a global audience that included technologists and industry leaders. The Minister underscored India’s significant position as a responsible global leader in technology.

Vaishnaw spoke about recent international rankings and reports, such as India’s standing in the global AI Index. He noted that India ranks among the leading countries for AI adoption, talent, and diffusion, attributing this success to its unique infrastructure bolstered by a robust clean energy framework.

He recognised the considerable disruptions currently affecting the IT sector and highlighted that the government is proactive in addressing these changes by collaborating with academia and industry to enhance the workforce through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

Vaishnaw stated that the AI Index positions India as a frontrunner in AI adoption, talent, and diffusion. He expressed awareness of the challenges that the IT industry is confronting and confirmed that efforts are underway in conjunction with the industry and academic institutions to develop a new talent pipeline for this emerging intelligence age.

Mitigating Risks, Maximising Human Dignity

While expressing optimism regarding AI advancements, Vaishnaw also emphasised the critical importance of safety. He urged the brightest minds present at the summit to offer insights on how to mitigate the risks associated with the rapid deployment of AI technologies.