In a landmark moment for artificial intelligence governance, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded with the unveiling of the New Delhi Declaration, endorsed by representatives from 88 countries and international organizations. This pivotal document symbolizes a unified global commitment to harnessing AI for humanity’s benefit, guided by the timeless Indian principle of ‘Sarva Jan Hitaya, Sarva Jan Sukhaya’—welfare and happiness for all.
The declaration emphasizes people-centric AI development, stressing international cooperation while respecting national sovereignty. It advocates for accessible and trustworthy frameworks to propel AI forward, structured around seven core pillars that form the bedrock of worldwide AI collaboration.
These pillars include democratizing AI resources, driving economic growth and social welfare, ensuring safe and reliable AI systems, leveraging AI for scientific advancement, promoting social empowerment through access, building human capital, and fostering robust, efficient, and innovative AI ecosystems.
Key highlights underscore AI’s transformative role in economic shifts, the value of open-source models and user-friendly ecosystems, the urgent need for energy-efficient AI infrastructure, and expanded applications in science, governance, and public services. The declaration calls for strengthened global partnerships to maximize these opportunities.
A strong digital infrastructure and affordable connectivity are deemed essential to unlock AI’s full potential. Drawing inspiration from ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—the signatories affirm the critical importance of equitable and efficient access to AI resources, enabling every nation to empower its citizens in developing, adopting, and utilizing this technology.
Notably, the framework is positioned as voluntary and non-binding, avoiding any coercive impositions. It aims to promote the democratic diffusion of basic AI resources, support localized innovation, and build resilient AI ecosystems in harmony with national laws.
The ultimate goal is clear: ensure that advanced AI technologies and their economic benefits reach every segment of society worldwide. By dismantling structural barriers in AI research infrastructure and enhancing availability, nations can boost scientific research and development. International scientific collaboration, pooling expertise, perspectives, and resources, will unlock AI’s vast capabilities in R&D.
This declaration marks a new era of inclusive AI progress, setting a collaborative tone for the future.