91 Countries Endorse New Delhi AI Declaration Following Global Summit
New Delhi, Feb 24: The number of countries and international organisations endorsing the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact has risen to 91, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced on Tuesday, signalling growing global consensus on the future of artificial intelligence.
The declaration was adopted at the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in the national capital last week, where governments, industry leaders and policy experts discussed frameworks for responsible AI development and deployment.
Three New Countries Join the Initiative
According to the ministry, the declaration initially had support from 88 countries and international organisations as of February 21. Bangladesh, Costa Rica and Guatemala have since joined, taking the total number of signatories to 91.
Officials described the rising participation as an indicator of widening international cooperation on artificial intelligence and its role in economic and social transformation.
Focus on Inclusive and Responsible AI
The New Delhi Declaration outlines a shared vision for leveraging AI for economic growth while ensuring its benefits reach broader sections of society. The framework is guided by the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya”, emphasising welfare and inclusive progress.
The document calls for stronger international collaboration, multi-stakeholder engagement and respect for national sovereignty in AI governance. It also stresses the importance of building accessible and trustworthy systems that can be adopted across countries with varying technological capacities.
Key Priorities Highlighted in the Declaration
The declaration identifies several priority areas shaping the global AI agenda. These include AI’s role in accelerating economic transformation, the importance of open-source and accessible AI ecosystems, and the need for energy-efficient infrastructure to support large-scale AI deployment.
It also underlines expanding AI applications in science, governance and public service delivery, while encouraging coordinated global efforts to address emerging challenges such as regulation, safety and digital divides.
Officials noted that robust digital infrastructure and affordable connectivity remain essential for countries seeking to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence.
Emphasis on Global Cooperation
Drawing from the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, the declaration highlights the importance of improving access to AI resources so that developing economies can build, adopt and deploy AI solutions effectively.
The framework recognises that equitable access to computing power, datasets and talent will play a crucial role in shaping the future AI landscape and preventing technological gaps between nations.
The declaration also emphasises that advancing secure and trustworthy AI systems is fundamental to building public confidence and maximising both economic and societal benefits.
India’s Growing Role in Global AI Policy
The AI Impact Summit and the subsequent declaration reflect India’s increasing engagement in global technology governance. With digital public infrastructure, startup growth and policy initiatives around emerging technologies, India is positioning itself as a key voice in shaping international AI standards.
Experts say the declaration aligns with broader global conversations on responsible AI, including ethics, transparency and cross-border collaboration. The participation of a diverse group of countries suggests a move toward coordinated frameworks rather than fragmented national policies.
As AI continues to influence industries, labour markets and governance systems, multilateral agreements such as the New Delhi Declaration are expected to guide how countries balance innovation with regulation.
Our Final Thoughts
The expansion of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact to 91 signatories reflects the accelerating pace of global coordination on artificial intelligence. The framework signals a shift from isolated national strategies toward collaborative governance models that prioritise inclusion, trust and sustainability. While declarations do not immediately translate into binding policy, they often set the direction for future regulation, investment and partnerships. India’s role in hosting the summit and shaping the declaration highlights its ambitions to influence global technology policy. The real test will lie in how countries convert these shared principles into practical measures that ensure AI remains accessible, secure and beneficial for all societies.
