Davos 2026: Google’s James Manyika warns about digital divide turning into AI divide

During the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 held in Davos, James Manyika, Senior Vice President at Google Alphabet, expressed concerns about the escalating risks of a digital divide evolving into an AI divide, particularly for India. Highlighting the nation's pivotal role in the upcoming AI summit, Manyika emphasized the importance of equitable access to artificial intelligence technologies. In an interview with Business Today, Manyika remarked on the significance of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, stating, "Having a summit like this in India demonstrates our commitment to preventing an AI divide. This involves ensuring access to infrastructure and connectivity, equipping people with the necessary skills, and enabling them to utilize AI tools effectively." Manyika described India hosting the AI summit as a remarkable opportunity, not just for the country but for the global community. He acknowledged India's impressive growth trajectory and a prevailing sense of optimism among its populace. "In India, there's a prevailing mindset focused on possibilities rather than fears about technology. The question is how to harness AI to transform our economies, education systems, and healthcare sectors," he noted. He also highlighted the crucial balance of being both bold and responsible in the new era of AI adoption. Manyika further pointed out India's unique applications of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education. He cited advancements in AI-driven diagnostics for diseases such as tuberculosis and diabetic retinopathy as examples of India's leadership in this field. The discussions at WEF 2026 underscore that India is not merely adopting AI but actively innovating solutions to address global developmental challenges.