AI Impact Summit 2026: Raghav Chadha Says AI Will Decide Global Power in 21st Century
India’s position in the global artificial intelligence debate took centre stage on Monday as Raghav Chadha, Member of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party, addressed delegates at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
Speaking at Bharat Mandapam, Chadha said the summit has placed India “firmly on the global map” in shaping conversations around artificial intelligence and technology governance.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology issue but a strategic one,” Chadha underlined during his keynote address.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 began earlier this week, bringing together policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, and industry stakeholders from India and abroad.
On Monday morning, Chadha arrived at Bharat Mandapam to attend a high-level policy session focused on AI governance frameworks and digital infrastructure. Shortly before his speech, he posted on X that he was “excited to speak” at the summit, describing it as a defining moment for shaping AI in the public interest.
During his address, he emphasised the geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence and the urgent need for India to strengthen its computing capabilities and domestic infrastructure.
Chadha warned that countries with strong computing power and digital infrastructure would likely dominate the global order in the coming decades.
“Processing capacity and digital infrastructure will decide which nations lead in the AI era,” he said.
Highlighting what he described as three global monopolies in artificial intelligence, Chadha noted that AI design is currently controlled by a handful of companies, semiconductor manufacturing is concentrated in limited regions, and exports are often restricted by policy frameworks, including those imposed by the United States.
“While India does not yet control these three pillars, the country has a major strength in human capital,” he added.
He stressed that India’s global reputation as a technology talent hub offers an advantage but cautioned against complacency. “Talent without compute is aspiration,” he remarked, urging policymakers to ensure access to high-end computing resources and diversified supply chains.
On-Ground Atmosphere and Participation
Delegates at Bharat Mandapam described the summit as one of the largest AI-focused gatherings in the country this year. The venue hosted panel discussions on semiconductor manufacturing, data governance, AI ethics, and public-sector deployment of artificial intelligence tools.
Large LED displays showcased India’s digital transformation journey, while startups demonstrated AI-driven solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and public services. Industry representatives and academic experts participated in policy roundtables focused on balancing innovation with regulation.
Officials present at the summit reiterated that India is working to build sovereign AI capacity through investments in semiconductor fabrication, data centres, and digital public infrastructure.
Historical Context and Global Comparisons
Chadha drew a historical comparison in his speech, noting that oil, gas, and steel shaped geopolitical influence in the 20th century. In the 21st century, he argued, artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing would define global power structures.
This perspective aligns with ongoing international debates on AI governance, including discussions at global forums such as the G20 and UN platforms, where digital sovereignty and ethical AI deployment have become recurring themes.
India has previously emphasised inclusive digital growth through initiatives aimed at expanding broadband connectivity, digital identity systems, and public technology platforms. However, experts have consistently pointed out that high-performance computing capacity and chip manufacturing remain critical areas for expansion.
Why It Matters
Chadha’s remarks come at a time when nations worldwide are racing to secure leadership in artificial intelligence and semiconductor production. Control over AI design, manufacturing, and exports has implications not only for economic growth but also for national security and strategic autonomy.
For India, the stakes are particularly high. With one of the world’s largest pools of engineering talent, the country stands at a crossroads: either remain primarily a service provider in the global AI ecosystem or build end-to-end capabilities across research, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 reflects India’s ambition to shape global norms around responsible AI development while strengthening domestic capacity. As Chadha put it, decisive action today will determine India’s place in the emerging global order.