New Delhi witnessed a pivotal discussion on the second day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where senior policymakers underscored the transformative power of sovereign AI. This approach promises India unprecedented control over the design, deployment, and operation of AI systems tailored to national needs.
Experts highlighted how self-reliant AI can address pressing issues in healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion. By developing homegrown technologies, citizens will access services in their native languages, bridging digital divides and enhancing everyday lives.
Abhishek Singh, Director General of the National Informatics Centre and Additional Secretary at MeitY, clarified that sovereign AI isn’t about isolationism. Instead, it focuses on improving service delivery and quality of life through better accessibility.
Rishi Ball, CEO of BharatGen, advocated for a phased adoption starting with governance, citizen services, and finance. He emphasized shared digital infrastructure and common models to accelerate secure innovations.
The session ‘Scaling Impact from India’s Sovereign AI and Data’ delved into India’s ambition to evolve from a mere consumer to a global creator of AI systems. Panelists stressed the need for robust research ecosystems and long-term investments over short-term fixes.
Linking advanced AI research to national priorities like financial inclusion and healthcare was a key takeaway. Sovereign AI must align with India’s development goals for inclusive, meaningful outcomes.
Running for five days until February 20, the summit draws over 100 government delegates, including 20+ heads of state, 60 ministers, and 500+ global AI experts, fostering collaborative innovation.