The AI Impact Summit 2026, which began on February 16 in New Delhi, has quickly become the centre of global attention. Being held at Bharat Mandapam, the mega summit is being described by many as a “grand Kumbh of AI,” where governments, tech leaders and innovators from across the world are coming together to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
UK sees AI as a driver of jobs, growth and better public services
The United Kingdom is participating in the summit with a strong focus on how AI can boost economic growth, generate new jobs, improve public services and positively impact everyday lives. The UK delegation is led by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy along with AI Minister Kanishka Narayan.
According to the UK delegation, artificial intelligence should not be seen as a distant or elite technology. Instead, it must act as a practical tool that helps doctors diagnose illnesses faster, teachers personalise education, local councils deliver services more efficiently, and businesses create high-quality future jobs.
“A huge opportunity for global collaboration,” says David Lammy
Ahead of the summit, David Lammy called the AI Impact Summit a major global opportunity. He said the event provides a platform for countries to work together to unlock AI’s full potential, while also building strong and responsible safety standards.
“This summit is a great opportunity to work with international partners to harness the benefits of AI while ensuring robust safeguards that keep everyone safe,” Lammy said in his statement.
India–UK: natural partners in technology
The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) highlighted that India and the UK are natural technology partners. Several leading Indian IT companies, including Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro, are rapidly expanding their presence across the UK, strengthening bilateral tech ties.
AI must be accessible to all, not just a few
Kanishka Narayan, Wales’ first Indian-origin Member of Parliament, stressed that AI is the defining technology of this generation. He said its benefits should reach everyone, not just a select group.
“AI can cut waiting times, transform public services, create new jobs and give communities a fresh start. These benefits should never be reserved for a few—that’s the message we’re bringing to the summit,” Narayan said.
With global leaders echoing similar views, the AI Impact Summit 2026 is shaping up as a landmark event that could redefine how artificial intelligence is developed, governed and used worldwide.
