India AI Summit 2026: Transforming Economies with AI

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, the discussion surrounding the India AI Summit took centre stage. James Manyika, Senior Vice President at Google Alphabet, expressed concerns about the increasing but subtle threats facing India. He discussed how the existing digital divide may evolve into an AI divide, positioning India at the forefront of essential global initiatives.

The Significance of the India AI Summit 2026

Referencing the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Manyika detailed to Startup Superb that the presence of a summit in India signifies a collective commitment to preventing an AI divide. He emphasised the importance of improving access, enhancing infrastructure connectivity, and equipping individuals with the necessary skills to utilise AI tools effectively.

Opportunities and Growth in India

Manyika described India hosting the AI Summit as one of the most thrilling developments for Indians and the international community alike. He recognised the nation’s remarkable progress over the years and highlighted an overarching sense of optimism.

The sentiment in India is characterised by potential rather than trepidation as people consider “how do we completely leverage this technology to enhance our economies, education systems, and healthcare.” Manyika also stated that being both bold and responsible is essential in this new era of global AI adoption.

India’s Unique Implementations of AI

Along with hosting the AI summit, Manyika elaborated on India’s distinctive applications of AI in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. He shared insights with Startup Superb about the nation’s leadership in AI-driven diagnostics for illnesses including tuberculosis and diabetic retinopathy.

India as a Model for Global Developmental Challenges

The discussions at WEF 2026 underscore that India is not merely adopting AI; it is also creating innovative models to address pressing issues while providing a framework for tackling global developmental challenges effectively.