New Delhi witnessed a resounding chorus of optimism at the AI Impact Summit 2026 on Wednesday, as industry leaders declared artificial intelligence (AI) a game-changer for India’s economy. Speaking on the third day of the summit, experts from diverse sectors highlighted how AI could propel the nation into a new era of growth and innovation.
Premchand Akela, Senior Director of International Marketing at DDN, emphasized India’s unique position. ‘India is a great country, and I firmly believe AI development will bring massive opportunities to our economy,’ he told reporters. Akela praised the collaborative efforts between the government and citizens, noting that everyone is taking the right steps to harness AI’s potential.
Military perspectives added depth to the discussions. Major General Sujit Shivaji Patil underscored AI’s transformative role across domains, particularly in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). ‘AI will impact our system security and give us the ability to directly and indirectly affect enemy systems, aiding victory,’ he stated.
Priyanka Agarwal, MD and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), focused on sectoral benefits. She highlighted AI’s potential to put India on the global map, especially in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. ‘AI will make healthcare more affordable, increasing access for millions,’ Agarwal said. While acknowledging job displacements, she stressed that AI would create far more opportunities and boost productivity significantly.
Beenu Arora, CEO and Co-founder of Cyble, called the summit India’s most significant event to date. ‘It’s happening at a pivotal moment when India stands at a crossroads of global changes. Nations building AI capabilities will prosper,’ he remarked.
Jay Bavisi, President and CEO of EC-Council, pointed to India’s advantages: a robust pool of LLM experts, tech talent, and English speakers. He urged responsible AI implementation to enhance productivity, warning of serious consequences otherwise.
The summit underscores a collective vision: AI isn’t just technology—it’s India’s pathway to economic dominance. As discussions continue, the focus remains on strategic adoption to maximize benefits while mitigating risks.