As the world races towards 2026, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) represents a pivotal opportunity for nations, particularly India, to redefine their roles in the global economy. AI is projected to add approximately US$15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030, yet over 84 percent of these gains are expected to be captured by North America, China, and Europe. This concentration of wealth raises concerns about entrenched hierarchies in technology, where advanced economies dominate innovation and governance due to their access to data, compute resources, and capital.
The competition for AI supremacy has intensified, with countries vying for leadership in AI hardware, software, and data. This new “technological arms race” underscores not only economic competitiveness but also national security, leading to rising trade barriers and a growing divide between the Global North and Global South. In this context, the ability to train and deploy advanced AI models is increasingly dependent on significant investments in infrastructure, which are largely concentrated in a few advanced countries.
The United States currently leads in AI chip production, cloud infrastructure, and foundational model development, bolstered by a robust venture capital ecosystem. Meanwhile, the European Union seeks to establish global standards and regulations, while China continues to invest heavily in its domestic AI ecosystem, undeterred by export restrictions from the U.S. This concentration of resources means that much of the Global South faces significant barriers to participating meaningfully in the AI economy, risking a future where these nations remain mere consumers of technology rather than co-creators.
India, however, finds itself at a strategic crossroads as it approaches 2026, with a unique opportunity to assert leadership in AI governance and development. The country’s growing domestic capabilities, combined with its leadership roles, allow it to advocate for responsible AI deployment that aligns with sustainable growth. Hosting the India-AI Impact Summit in February 2026 and assuming the BRICS Presidency will enable India to promote development-oriented approaches to AI cooperation, leveraging technology as a means for inclusive growth.
To address the disparities in AI exposure, preparedness, and access, a shared vision for the Global South is essential. Such a strategy should focus on building institutional capacities, digital infrastructure, and equitable access to resources. India has been proactive in addressing these challenges, implementing AI solutions across sectors like healthcare and agriculture, benefiting over 1.4 billion citizens. This experience positions India as a potential leader in shaping global AI governance that prioritizes developmental needs.
Under its G20 Presidency in 2023, India emphasized Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a global public good to further the Sustainable Development Goals. In February 2025, India co-chaired the Paris AI Action Summit, promoting dialogue on responsible AI governance. The country’s commitment to building an inclusive AI ecosystem is evident, with INR 10,300 crore allocated under the IndiaAI Mission to deploy 38,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and establish 600 AI Data Labs, enhancing its innovation capability.
The investment is expected to grow India’s AI-focused talent pool from 600,000 to 1.25 million by 2027. Through such initiatives, India aims to steer global discussions toward the responsible development and deployment of AI, ensuring it reflects the priorities of the Global South. The India-AI Impact Summit is expected to become a crucial platform for collaboration and capacity-building, steering the conversation from mere declarations to actionable outcomes.
As the global AI landscape remains fragmented and heavily skewed towards a few advanced economies, India’s leadership in the upcoming summit can highlight the need for collective action. The mantra “From Vision to Action” will reflect India’s commitment to moving beyond rhetoric, focusing on practical cooperation in infrastructure, human capital, governance, and ethical deployment of AI technologies. Ensuring that AI serves the interests of the Global South and fosters inclusive, sustainable growth will be vital in shaping the future of technology and global economic equity.
Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will be measured by their ability to translate shared principles into scalable and effective solutions, ensuring that AI’s transformative powers are harnessed for the benefit of all.
See also
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