UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy hailed the Delhi AI Summit as a pivotal step for global AI cooperation during its opening in New Delhi on 16 February 2026.
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy described the AI Impact Summit in Delhi as an “important moment” to harness AI‘s full potential while ensuring fair safety standards. The event opened on 16 February 2026 with leaders from India and the UK announcing new initiatives to drive growth and inclusivity in the Global South.
The AI Impact Summit matters deeply in South Asia. It positions India as a leader in democratising AI for developing nations. This focus addresses regional challenges like job creation and public service improvements through technology. South Asian countries stand to gain from shared innovations that bridge digital divides.
Delhi AI Summit Opens with Global Focus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The two-day summit from 19 to 20 February follows an expo starting 16 February. It gathers experts to discuss AI’s role in people planet and progress.
Organised under the IndiaAI Mission the event marks the first major AI gathering in the Global South. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised India as the “right place” to host it citing its success as an emerging economy.
The Delhi AI Summit features sessions on responsible AI governance and innovation. Over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries participate in the expo. Entry remains restricted on day one but opens to the public from 17 February.
UK Deputy PM AI Vision Emphasised
David Lammy led the UK delegation alongside AI Minister Kanishka Narayan. Lammy stated: “This summit is an important moment in determining how we can work together with our international partners to unlock the full benefits and potential of AI while baking in robust and fair safety standards that protect us all.”
Narayan added: “AI is the defining technology of our generation and we’re determined to make sure it delivers for everyone.” He highlighted AI’s potential to cut waiting times transform public services and create jobs.
The UK Deputy PM AI remarks aligned with calls for inclusive growth. Lammy stressed AI’s ability to enable faster medical diagnoses personalised learning and efficient council services. These benefits aim to reach communities in India and beyond.
India UK AI Partnership Strengthens Ties
The India UK AI partnership took centre stage at the Delhi AI Summit. Both nations invest tens of millions in joint research on batteries telecoms and genomic medicine. UK firms generate over £47.5 billion in revenue from India.
Indian companies like Infosys TCS and Wipro expand in the UK. Narayan noted: “We are totally aligned in making sure that the people of Britain and the people of India get to not just look at AI being built by others but build AI and benefit from AI directly.”
The India UK AI partnership extends to the AI for Development programme. The UK announced £100 million for AI4D initiatives. This includes support for an African Language Hub enabling AI in 40 languages.
Other AI4D elements feature the Asian AI4D Observatory for responsible AI in South and Southeast Asia. A Compute Hub at the University of Cape Town provides resources for African innovators.
These efforts under the India UK AI partnership aim to ensure developing countries access AI tools. The Delhi AI Summit expects at least 15 deliverables from sessions.
Background on AI Impact Summit
The AI Impact Summit stems from Prime Minister Modi’s announcement at the France AI Action Summit in 2025. It builds on India’s push for ethical AI through the IndiaAI Mission.
Previous global AI events focused on the West. This Delhi AI Summit shifts emphasis to the Global South. It addresses inequities in AI access affecting South Asia’s 1.9 billion people.
India’s AI market grows at 20% annually projected to reach $17 billion by 2027. The UK ranks third globally in AI investment with £2.3 billion in 2025.
The UK Deputy PM AI involvement highlights bilateral ties. Trade between India and UK hit £36 billion in 2025. Tech cooperation forms a key pillar.
UN’s Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies hosts side events at the AI Impact Summit. These focus on AI for humanity inclusive growth and sustainability.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI
Sessions at the Delhi AI Summit tackle safety and ethics. Experts discuss standards to prevent AI misuse while fostering innovation.
South Asia faces AI adoption hurdles like data privacy and skill gaps. The India UK AI partnership seeks to address these through training and research.
Narayan will visit Bengaluru post-summit to explore further collaborations. This underscores the India UK AI partnership’s commitment to practical outcomes.
Data from the IndiaAI Mission shows 15% of global AI talent resides in India. The UK hosts 10% of top AI firms. Combined efforts at the AI Impact Summit could accelerate regional progress.
What’s Next for AI Impact Summit
Future editions may expand to more South Asian venues. The AI Impact Summit sets a precedent for collaborative AI governance.
Ongoing AI4D projects will roll out in 2026. Monitoring their impact on jobs and services remains key.
The AI Impact Summit concludes with calls for sustained international dialogue. Leaders aim to build on this momentum for equitable AI advancement.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 16th, 2026
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