NEW DELHI – In a significant milestone for international technology policy, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that 88 nations and international entities have formally endorsed the AI Impact Summit Declaration. The agreement, finalized at Bharat Mandapam, signals a global shift toward a more inclusive and ethical approach to artificial intelligence.
The Minister highlighted that the signatories—comprising 86 countries and two global organizations—have officially integrated the Indian philosophy of “Sarvanjana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaaya” (Welfare and Happiness for All) into the future roadmap of AI development.
Key Pillars of the Declaration
The summit, which ran from February 16 to 20, 2026, successfully united diverse global powers under a shared vision for human-centric technology. The core commitments include:
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Democratization of Tech: A collective pledge to share AI resources and infrastructure, ensuring that technological breakthroughs are not monopolized by a few wealthy nations or corporations.
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PM Modi’s Vision: Minister Vaishnaw noted that the international community has largely accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s framework, which focuses on empowering all sections of society through accessible AI.
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Governance and Safety: The declaration establishes a foundation for stronger international collaboration on AI safety protocols and responsible governance to mitigate potential societal disruptions.
Leading the Global South
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was a historic event as the first major global AI gathering hosted within the Global South. By gathering policymakers, academic researchers, and tech innovators in New Delhi, the summit showcased India’s leadership in bridging the digital divide.
The adoption of the “AI for Humanity” principle is expected to influence upcoming international treaties and regulatory standards, ensuring that the transformative power of artificial intelligence serves the collective good rather than widening global inequality.
