Ahead of India AI Summit 2026, Sam Altman backs India as a future 'full-stack AI leader', signals deeper collaboration

In a significant endorsement of India's aspirations in artificial intelligence, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has labeled the nation a potential 'full-stack AI leader.' He announced plans to deepen collaborations with the Government of India to enhance AI adoption, develop infrastructure, and cultivate essential skills. As we approach the Global AI Impact Summit 2026, Altman noted that India has become OpenAI's second-largest global user base, highlighting the country's swift integration of generative AI technologies. In an opinion piece for The Times of India, he emphasized the importance of creating AI 'in India, with India, and for India,' with a focus on accessibility for all demographics, irrespective of income or educational background. India's AI landscape is booming, with approximately 100 million weekly active users of OpenAI tools, making it home to the largest student user base worldwide. Altman pointed out that AI adoption is permeating various sectors, including education, nonprofits, and small businesses, not just confined to large enterprises. OpenAI has already established a presence in the country, opening its first office in Delhi last August and training over 200 nonprofit leaders across four cities to leverage ChatGPT for impactful work. Altman highlighted three key advantages that India possesses: a wealth of technical expertise, a unified national AI strategy, and a strong public enthusiasm for technology-driven growth. He outlined a strategic framework necessary for ensuring that the benefits of AI extend beyond early adopters: 1. **Access** – Ensuring AI tools are affordable and widely available. 2. **Adoption** – Incorporating AI into sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and small businesses. 3. **Agency** – Fostering confidence and understanding among users to enable informed decision-making. He remarked, 'When these three elements align, individuals transition from being mere users of AI to becoming builders and beneficiaries of the technology.' Altman also praised the Indian government’s IndiaAI Mission, which was approved in March 2024 with a budget of ₹10,371.92 crore, describing it as a model for expanding national computing capacity, supporting AI startups, and developing multilingual AI for public services, particularly in healthcare and agriculture. Despite the rapid growth, Altman cautioned that merely providing access to AI tools is insufficient. He highlighted the risk of a 'capability overhang,' referring to the disparity between having the tools and the know-how to utilize them effectively. His solution includes promoting AI literacy through practical coding training, enhancing skills for knowledge workers, and integrating AI into educational and governance frameworks. He also indicated that the availability of computing power and energy infrastructure will play a crucial role in determining which nations will emerge as leaders in AI. The Global AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to take place from February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, marking the inaugural global AI summit in the Global South. The event will feature thematic working groups, termed 'Chakras,' focusing on inclusive growth, governance structures, and sustainable AI deployment. Altman encapsulated the interdependent relationship between AI and India, stating, 'AI will help define India’s future, and India will help define AI’s future — in a manner only a democracy can.'