OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has hailed India as having all the ingredients to emerge as a full-stack AI leader. Speaking ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, he emphasized the nation’s talent, scale, policy support, and optimism as drivers for not just adopting AI, but building it from the ground up.
Major AI Summit Kicks Off in New Delhi
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 begins February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organized under the government’s IndiaAI Mission, this five-day event gathers global leaders, policymakers, and innovators from over 100 countries. Discussions will cover AI’s impact on inclusive growth, governance, healthcare, agriculture, education, and more, building on international forums like those in Bletchley Park, Seoul, and Paris.
Altman’s Bold Vision for India
Altman stated, “India has the people, scale, and ambition needed to build artificial intelligence, not just use it.” He positioned India among top nations as a full-stack AI leader, adding, “AI will help define India’s future, and India will help define AI’s future.” He credited India’s democratic framework for enabling unique AI contributions.
India already boasts 100 million weekly active OpenAI users—second only to the US. The company has launched a Delhi office and provides free AI tools to boost access. Altman highlighted priorities like AI literacy, infrastructure (“infrastructure is destiny”), and seamless workflow integration, with new government partnerships on the horizon.
Event Spotlights and Challenges
While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang pulled out due to unforeseen issues, the summit features seven working groups on safe AI, economic growth, and resource democratization. It aims to shape global AI governance and position India as a key player.
As the world races toward AI-driven transformation, Altman’s endorsement underscores India’s potential. With strong talent pools and supportive policies, the country stands ready to shape the next era of innovation. The summit promises actionable insights for this ambitious journey.
