India AI Impact Summit 2026: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says India key to managing AI’s promise and risks as firm expands presence

During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, emphasized India's pivotal role in the evolution of artificial intelligence. He underscored the dual nature of AI’s potential benefits and risks while announcing the expansion of his company's presence in the country. In front of an audience comprising state leaders, delegates, and industry professionals, Amodei remarked on the remarkable energy and ambition prevalent in India. "I’ve spent the past few days engaging with Indian innovators and businesses, and the collective drive to collaborate here is unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere," he stated. Amodei's comments came shortly after Anthropic established a new office in Bengaluru, marking its second location in Asia, following Tokyo. The company also revealed new partnerships across various sectors, including enterprise, education, and agriculture. Notably, India has emerged as the second-largest market for Anthropic's Claude AI assistant, representing approximately 5.8% of its global usage, second only to the United States. Amodei described the rapid advancements in AI as unprecedented, noting that developments since the inaugural global AI safety summit held at Bletchley Park in the UK in 2023 have been nothing short of extraordinary. He expressed concern over the rapid progression of AI capabilities, suggesting that systems capable of surpassing human performance across numerous tasks might be just years away. He envisioned a future where AI agents, operating at superhuman speed, could lead to breakthroughs in critical areas, from curing long-standing diseases to alleviating poverty. However, he cautioned about the possible dangers these advancements could bring, including misuse, autonomous behavior, and significant job disruptions. "India has a crucial role in navigating these opportunities and challenges," he emphasized. Recently, Anthropic appointed Irina Ghose, a seasoned tech executive, as its managing director for India, and has formed partnerships with major firms like Infosys. The company is also collaborating with nonprofits such as the X-Step Foundation, Pratham, and Central Square Foundation to leverage AI in education, agriculture, health, and digital infrastructure. Amodei recognized that innovations born in India often set a benchmark for other developing countries, stating, "Technological advancements from India have historically influenced the global South." He expressed the company’s aspiration to extend the benefits of AI across this region, beginning with India. On the topic of governance, he urged India to take a leading role in formulating global safety standards. "As the world's largest democracy, India can be an essential partner in addressing global security and economic challenges," he said, highlighting the need for collaboration with the government to assess AI systems for safety. Amodei also addressed the potential economic disruptions that might arise due to rapid automation. While AI has the capability to enhance prosperity, he warned that the speed of these changes could lead to significant upheaval. He called for a united effort among governments, businesses, and labor organizations to manage this transition effectively. "We believe that AI will significantly increase the economic pie, but collaboration is essential to ensure a smooth transition that benefits everyone," he concluded.