89 countries endorse AI Declaration as India’s summit draws $250 bn investments

India’s AI Impact Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi with investment commitments exceeding USD 250 billion, endorsement from 89 countries and international organisations for the New Delhi Declaration, and participation from global leaders, technology executives, and policymakers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the summit demonstrated global recognition of India’s capabilities in artificial intelligence.

“The entire world wholeheartedly praised India’s potential at the historic AI Summit held in Delhi. This demonstrates that the mindset of our young talents in technology is going to be of great benefit to all of humanity,” Modi wrote on X in Hindi.

The summit, held on February 18–19, concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, which outlines a global framework for cooperation in artificial intelligence focused on economic growth and social good.

Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the summit secured infrastructure investment commitments of over USD 250 billion and described the event as a “grand success.” He added that the summit drew participation from over 5 lakh visitors, reflecting strong domestic and international engagement.

Vaishnaw had earlier said that around 70 countries had backed the Declaration, with the number expected to cross 80 by the conclusion of the summit. The final endorsement count reached 89 countries and international organisations. Sources indicated that the United States was also on board.

The Declaration, guided by the principle “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, Happiness for all), emphasises equitable access to AI benefits and outlines a shared global vision for responsible AI development.

It calls for strengthening international cooperation, promoting multistakeholder engagement, respecting national sovereignty, and advancing accessible and trustworthy AI frameworks.

The framework is structured around seven pillars: democratising AI resources, economic growth and social good, secure and trusted AI, AI for science, access for social empowerment, human capital development, and resilient, efficient and innovative AI systems.

The summit also announced a series of voluntary global initiatives, including a Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI to promote affordable access to foundational technologies, and the Global AI Impact Commons to enable cross-country collaboration and scale AI use cases.

Other initiatives include the Trusted AI Commons, a repository of tools and best practices for secure systems; an international network of AI for science institutions to support research collaboration; an AI for social empowerment platform focused on equitable adoption; and a workforce development playbook with reskilling principles for an AI-driven economy.

Guiding principles on resilient and efficient AI systems were also introduced, with a focus on energy-efficient infrastructure and system resilience.

The Declaration highlights the role of AI in economic transformation, the importance of open and accessible ecosystems, and the need for energy-efficient infrastructure. It also underlines the expanding use of AI in science, governance and public service delivery.

Global leaders including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and CEOs from leading technology companies attended the summit.

Other participants included Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Croatia Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Serbia President Aleksandar Vucic, Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Estonia President Alar Karis, and Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

The summit brought together more than 500 global AI leaders, including around 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 CTOs, vice presidents and philanthropists. It also engaged more than 100 government representatives and around 60 ministers and vice ministers.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared priorities in AI governance through voluntary, non-binding frameworks and continued collaboration. The summit is expected to catalyse long-term international partnerships and position AI as a key driver of economic growth.

(With inputs from agencies)