The New Delhi Declaration on Artificial Intelligence was signed by 86 countries and international organizations on February 22, 2026, marking a significant shift in global AI governance. The declaration, adopted during the AI Impact Summit 2026 hosted by India, emphasizes the need for robust digital infrastructure and affordable connectivity as prerequisites for deploying AI technologies.
The declaration highlights the importance of upgrading vocational training ecosystems and educating public officials in AI to accelerate local innovation in developing economies. It also endorses open-source AI, where appropriate, as a scalable solution for regions unable to develop proprietary systems.
This summit, the first held in the Global South, contrasts previous summits in Bletchley Park, Seoul, and Paris, which focused on existential risks and regulatory frameworks. The New Delhi Declaration prioritizes participation in AI development, a shift from the concerns of technologically advanced Western nations.
The Significance of the New Delhi Declaration in Global AI Governance
Despite the declaration’s non-binding nature, it represents the broadest sign-on yet, with endorsements from 86 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, and the European Union. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the declaration reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s human-centric vision of AI, inspired by the principle of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya.’
The summit announced seven voluntary frameworks, including a Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI and a Global AI Impact Commons. These initiatives aim to promote access to foundational AI resources and replicate successful AI use cases globally. The declaration signifies a new era in AI governance, with future summits expected to build on this foundation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 22nd, 2026
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