Delhi AI Summit 2026 Concludes With 88-Nation Global AI Agreement

The Delhi AI Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations. The summit brought together major global powers including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan, reflecting one of the broadest international alignments on artificial intelligence to date.

Guided by the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (welfare for all, happiness for all), the declaration places equitable access, affordability and responsible innovation at the centre of global AI cooperation. The agreement is voluntary and non-binding, yet it signals a strong collective intent to shape an inclusive AI-driven future.

Delhi AI Summit 2026: Key Takeaways From the 88-Nation Global AI Agreement

• 88 countries and international organisations endorsed the New Delhi Declaration.
  
• Major global powers including the US, China, Russia, UK and EU signed the agreement.
  
• The summit was held in New Delhi from 16–20 February, with the expo extended until 21 February.
  
• The declaration is built around seven pillars, also called “chakras,” of AI cooperation.
  
• Three guiding Sutras: People, Planet and Progress.
  
• Focus on digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity and inclusive AI access.
  
• Launch of seven voluntary global collaborative initiatives.
  
• Over ₹250 billion in AI-related investment pledges and around $20 million in deep-tech funding announced.
  
• Participation from more than 1.5 lakh students.
  

A Defining Moment in Global AI Governance

The Delhi AI Summit 2026 marked a significant shift in the global conversation around artificial intelligence. Previous summits in Bletchley Park, Seoul and Paris largely focused on regulatory frameworks and existential risks.

In contrast, New Delhi’s approach centred on access and participation. For much of the world, the barriers to artificial intelligence are practical — limited computing power, unreliable connectivity and shortage of skilled workforce. The New Delhi Declaration places these concerns at the heart of global AI governance for the first time.

The declaration clearly states that robust digital infrastructure and meaningful, affordable connectivity are prerequisites for deploying AI and unlocking its full potential.

Also Read: AI Impact Summit 2026: Why Global Tech CEOs and World Leaders Are Gathering in New Delhi

Guiding Vision: Welfare for All in the AI Era

The Delhi AI Summit 2026 was guided by the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya,” emphasising that the benefits of AI must be equitably shared across humanity.

It is also inspired by “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the belief that the world is one family. This philosophy shaped the summit’s central call for “AI for All,” rooted in equity, access and strengthened global cooperation.

The declaration underscores respect for national sovereignty while advancing AI through accessible and trustworthy frameworks.

The Three Sutras: People, Planet and Progress

Participating nations committed to translating shared aspirations into concrete action across three foundational Sutras:

Seven Pillars (Chakras) of the Delhi AI Summit 2026

The New Delhi Declaration is structured around seven key pillars forming the foundation of cooperation:

1. Democratising AI Resources
   
2. Economic Growth and Social Good
   
3. Secure and Trusted AI
   
4. AI for Science
   
5. Access for Social Empowerment
   
6. Human Capital Development
   
7. Resilient, Efficient and Innovative AI Systems
   

These pillars reflect a comprehensive framework addressing infrastructure, governance, workforce and sustainability.

Major Global Initiatives Announced

The summit delivered seven voluntary, non-binding collaborative mechanisms:

Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI

A framework to promote affordable access to foundational AI resources while supporting locally relevant innovation ecosystems and respecting national laws.

Global AI Impact Commons

A platform to replicate and scale successful AI use cases across regions.

Trusted AI Commons

A collaborative repository of technical resources, tools, benchmarks and best practices for secure and trustworthy AI systems.

International Network of AI for Science Institutions

A global platform connecting scientific communities to pool AI research capabilities and accelerate research and development.

AI for Social Empowerment Platform

Designed to facilitate exchange of knowledge and scalable practices for equitable AI adoption.

AI Workforce Development Playbook and Reskilling Principles

Supports AI literacy, training of public officials, reskilling initiatives and upgrading vocational ecosystems.

Guiding Principles on Resilient and Efficient AI

Focuses on energy-efficient AI technologies and includes a playbook on advancing resilient AI infrastructure.

Infrastructure, Inclusion and Open-Source Emphasis

The declaration recognises that many nations face structural barriers in AI adoption. It endorses open-source AI, “where appropriate,” as a tool for scalability across regions unable to build proprietary systems.

Affordable AI systems are framed as a means to accelerate local innovation, especially in developing economies. The document also highlights the importance of removing structural barriers and increasing availability of AI research infrastructure to promote global scientific collaboration.

Participation of Major Global Powers

The New Delhi Declaration was endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations, including the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the European Union and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

This represents the broadest sign-on yet in the history of global AI summits, surpassing last year’s Paris summit which had 58 signatories.

A day before adoption, US technology adviser Michael Kratsios stated that the United States rejects global governance of artificial intelligence and opposes centralized bureaucratic control. Despite this position, the voluntary and non-binding nature of the declaration enabled broad participation while preserving national policy autonomy.

Economic Signals and Investment Commitments

The Delhi AI Summit 2026 also carried strong economic momentum:

• More than ₹250 billion in AI-related investment pledges
  
• Around $20 million in deep-tech funding
  
• Participation from global leaders, AI companies, startups and institutions
  

Officials indicated that investment commitments were increasing and described India as a trusted AI partner across Europe, Australia, the United States and Southeast Asia.

Also Read: The “Delhi Declaration”: $250 Billion AI Infrastructure Commitment at the India AI Impact Summit 2026

Human Capital and Student Participation

Recognising that AI transformation requires skilled manpower, the declaration stresses AI literacy, education, workforce development and training of public officials.

The summit recorded participation from over 1.5 lakh students, described as a world record level of engagement, highlighting the emphasis on preparing the next generation for an AI-driven economy.

Spiritual Perspective: True Human Welfare and the Deeper Meaning of “Sarvajan Hitaya”

The Delhi AI Summit 2026 was guided by the principle of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” — welfare and happiness for all. While global leaders discussed inclusive growth through artificial intelligence, this principle also carries a profound spiritual meaning.

According to the unique spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, true welfare of humanity is not limited to material progress, technology or economic development. Real and permanent happiness, he explains, is achieved when a person understands the purpose of human life and follows the path of true devotion based on authentic scriptures.

Modern technology, including AI, can improve governance, science and living standards. However, spiritual knowledge teaches that lasting peace comes from inner transformation, moral conduct and devotion to the Supreme God. When scientific progress is guided by righteousness and spiritual awareness, it benefits society in a balanced and meaningful way.

As the world speaks of “AI for All,” the deeper message remains that genuine welfare for all begins with true spiritual understanding and a life aligned with divine knowledge.

A Collective Step Toward an Inclusive AI Future

The Delhi AI Summit 2026 closes with a message that artificial intelligence must serve humanity as a whole. By focusing on access, affordability, sustainability and workforce readiness, the 88-nation global AI agreement expands the debate beyond regulation to real-world participation.

While the declaration remains voluntary and non-binding, it establishes a shared direction for cooperation in an era where technological choices will shape future generations. The summit positions AI not as a competition alone, but as a collective responsibility anchored in equity, trust and global collaboration.

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