'For, by, and of the humans': Ashwini Vaishnaw lays out India’s vision at India AI Impact Summit 2026

On February 19, during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, presented a compelling vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) that prioritizes human safety and dignity. He emphasized the need for an AI landscape that is 'for the humans, by the humans, and of the humans.' Speaking to a diverse audience that included leading technologists and industry figures, Vaishnaw underscored India's pivotal role as a responsible global player in technology. He expressed aspirations for what he termed the 'Intelligence Age' in India, highlighting the country's impressive standings in various international AI rankings. Vaishnaw noted that India ranks among the foremost nations in terms of AI adoption, talent, and diffusion, attributing this success to its unique infrastructure, which boasts a robust clean energy foundation. He also acknowledged the significant challenges currently confronting the IT sector. The minister assured attendees that the government is proactive in addressing these challenges, collaborating with both industry and academic institutions to enhance the skills and qualifications of the workforce. 'The AI Index places India among the leading countries in AI adoption, talent, and diffusion. We are aware of the hurdles facing our IT industry, and we are committed to upskilling and reskilling our workforce to prepare for this new intelligence age,' Vaishnaw stated. While expressing optimism about the potential of AI, he also highlighted the critical importance of safety. Vaishnaw called upon the leading minds at the summit to contribute ideas for managing the risks associated with the swift advancement of AI technologies.