New Delhi witnessed a significant moment as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres landed in the capital to participate in the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs hailed his presence as a pivotal step in strengthening India’s collaboration with the global body.
Guterres received a warm welcome from Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, H.D. Malhotra. In a post on X, the MEA emphasized India’s commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and global peace, noting that this visit will solidify the partnership between India and the UN.
The summit, kicking off on Monday, brings together over 35,000 participants from more than 100 countries, including heads of state, government leaders, ministers, tech giants, researchers, and industry experts. Guterres is set to address the inaugural session on Wednesday, focusing on making artificial intelligence more inclusive and alerting the world to its potential risks.
Organized under the India AI Mission, this landmark event in the Global South aims to shift the global AI narrative from mere ‘safety’ to ‘development and impact.’ Discussions will revolve around AI’s role in fostering inclusive growth, robust public systems, and sustainable progress. With over 100 government delegates, including more than 20 heads of state and 60 ministers, the conference runs until February 20.
This gathering underscores India’s rising stature in AI governance, positioning it as a leader in ethical and equitable technology deployment on the world stage. As Guterres joins the discourse, expectations are high for concrete outcomes that bridge digital divides and promote shared prosperity.