India is increasingly being seen as a significant voice in shaping global artificial intelligence regulation, according to industry experts speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. With a massive population of over 1.4 billion and a large and growing AI talent pool, India generates a substantial amount of data — roughly 20 % of the world’s total — making its perspective critical to discussions on AI governance and standards.
Experts at the summit emphasised that India’s experience with large-scale digital infrastructure and public-digital services gives it a unique vantage point in crafting regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with societal safeguards. This approach could help ensure that future global AI rules are not dominated solely by Western or Chinese models but reflect the needs and realities of developing economies as well.
India has already taken steps to engage in international consensus-building around key AI issues. Government officials highlighted ongoing efforts to work with industry and global partners on complex topics like AI and intellectual property rights, data protection, and safe model deployment, signalling Delhi’s desire to influence not just use-case policies but the legal and technical underpinnings of future AI systems.
The expert commentary comes amid broader conversations at the summit about global AI governance, safety, and inclusion. India’s role in these discussions reflects its push to position itself as a bridge between the Global North and Global South — advocating for frameworks that promote fair access, ethical use, and shared benefits from AI technology worldwide.
