UK Champions AI's Global Impact at India Summit in New Delhi

UK Delegation Advocates for AI's Transformative Potential at India Summit

The United Kingdom is taking a prominent role at the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, currently underway in New Delhi from February 16 to 20. Led by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan, the UK delegation is championing artificial intelligence as a critical driver for global economic growth, job creation, and the enhancement of public services worldwide.

The summit, recognized as the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, aims to transition from theoretical discussions to demonstrable impact, focusing on principles of 'People, Planet, and Progress'. It seeks to shape how AI can foster inclusive growth, strengthen public services, and support sustainable development.

Key UK Messages and Initiatives

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy underscored the significance of the event, stating that the summit is 'an important moment in determining how we can work together with our international partners to unlock the full benefits and potential of AI, while baking in robust and fair safety standards that protect us all'. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan echoed this sentiment, highlighting AI as 'the defining technology of our generation' and stressing that its benefits 'can't and shouldn't be reserved by the few'.

The UK delegation is keen to demonstrate how AI can improve daily life globally, citing its potential to:

• Help doctors diagnose faster
• Personalize learning for teachers
• Streamline public service delivery by councils
• Create new jobs across various industries

During the summit, the UK is also expected to announce new support for an African Language Hub, an initiative designed to enable AI to function in 40 African languages. This forms part of the broader £100 million AI for Development (AI4D) programme, aimed at ensuring developing countries fully benefit from the AI revolution.

UK's Domestic AI Strategy and International Collaboration

Domestically, the UK government has outlined its comprehensive 'AI Opportunities Action Plan', a strategy to integrate AI across both public and private sectors. This plan aims to transform the nation's economy and public services, positioning the UK as a global leader in AI innovation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized AI's transformative potential, with the plan structured around three core pillars: laying foundations for AI growth, boosting adoption in public and private sectors, and maintaining the UK's international competitive edge.

The UK and India have also deepened their collaboration through the Technology Security Initiative (TSI), launched in July 2024. This initiative focuses on critical and emerging technologies, including AI, with both nations committed to developing safe, responsible, human-centric, and trustworthy AI. Further strengthening ties, a Connectivity and Innovation Centre was established in October 2025 with a joint investment of US$31.7 million over four years, dedicated to leveraging AI for network optimization, non-terrestrial networks, and telecom cybersecurity. Britain's science secretary, Liz Kendall, stated in January 2026 that the India-UK AI partnership is uniquely positioned to shape the next wave of global growth.