India to Host Next Global AI Summit, Focuses on Innovation and Inclusivity
New Delhi: India has been confirmed as the host for the next international summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI), as announced by the office of French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. The announcement follows the AI Action Summit in Paris, co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron, where global leaders discussed AI governance and innovation.
As the summit’s theme shifts from “AI Safety” in 2023 to “AI Action” in 2025, India aims to drive an inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven approach, particularly focusing on the Global South. India has actively participated in all five working groups shaping AI governance, covering areas such as security, workforce impact, innovation, and ethical AI development.
India’s Vision for AI Governance
Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Modi underscored the need for equitable access to AI resources. “Governance is about ensuring access for all, especially in the Global South, where capacities such as compute power, talent, and financial resources are most lacking,” he stated. Modi emphasized the transformative potential of AI in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture while advocating for sustainable AI models that optimize resource efficiency.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India’s commitment to an AI framework that benefits the largest number of people. “Our aim is to ensure the greatest good for the greatest number,” he said. Since its G20 presidency, India has been advocating for a stronger representation of Global South countries in AI policy discussions, positioning innovation as a key driver of global AI governance.
S. Krishnan, Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics & IT, likened AI’s current trajectory to the Y2K moment for India’s IT industry. “The focus should now shift to innovation so that we can fully harness AI’s benefits,” he noted.
A Call for Global AI Standards and Ethical Frameworks
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the necessity of developing open-source AI systems that foster trust, eliminate biases, and promote democratized access to technology. He also stressed the importance of addressing challenges such as cybersecurity, misinformation, and deepfake threats.
“AI is writing the code for humanity in this century,” Modi remarked. “It is evolving at an unprecedented scale and speed. Given its deep interdependence across borders, we need collective global efforts to establish governance frameworks that uphold shared values, mitigate risks, and build trust.”
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding AI’s impact on employment, calling for global investment in reskilling the workforce. “While job displacement is a major concern, history shows that technological advancements change the nature of work rather than eliminate it. We must invest in upskilling people for an AI-driven future,” he said.
Geopolitical Implications and Regulatory Challenges
The AI Action Summit drew international attention amid growing divergence in AI regulatory strategies among major global powers. The European Union’s digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, signaled the bloc’s intention to adopt a more business-friendly regulatory approach to AI, following President Donald Trump’s decision to remove previous regulatory guardrails in the U.S.
Despite ongoing discussions, the U.S. and U.K. have yet to sign a joint statement on AI governance outcomes. Meanwhile, India continues to push for a multipolar AI governance framework that ensures fair representation for Global South nations. “Only a multipolar world can ensure that AI develops with the least bias,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated at the India-France CEO Forum.
India’s Commitment to AI for Public Good
India has been actively developing AI applications for public welfare and has expressed readiness to share its expertise globally. “AI can drive transformational change, making sustainable development goals easier to achieve. India stands ready to contribute to a future where AI benefits everyone,” Modi concluded.
The upcoming AI summit in India is expected to further these discussions, shaping global AI policies with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and responsible innovation.