India to Lead Global AI Democratization, Says Sunil Bharti Mittal

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder of Bharti Enterprises, states India is poised to take a leading role in developing and democratising artificial intelligence for the world. He highlights the importance of open standards and global collaboration to keep AI accessible for humanity's benefit. Mittal cites India's proven strength in frugal innovation, exemplified by the cost-effective moon mission. He emphasizes that India's combination of digital scale, talent, and connectivity positions it as a key hub for responsible AI development.

Key Points: India's Role in Democratising AI for the World

  • India positioned as global AI hub
  • Emphasis on open standards and collaboration
  • AI integral to business and network operations
  • Strength in frugal innovation demonstrated
  • Digital scale and talent as key advantages
2 min read

India to play leading role in democratising AI for the world, says Sunil Bharti Mittal

Sunil Bharti Mittal says India will play a leading role in creating accessible AI for global benefit, citing digital scale and frugal innovation.

"India is going to play a leading role in creating an AI for everybody in the world, and democratise AI. - Sunil Bharti Mittal"

New Delhi, February 19

India is poised to take center stage in developing democratised AI for the world, said Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises.

Speaking exclusively to ANI at the sidelines of India AI Summit 2026 in Delhi, Mittal said, "PM Modi gave a fantastic message today...India is going to play a leading role in creating an AI for everybody in the world, and democratise AI..."

Earlier in the day, during the Fireside Conversation at the AI Summit, Mittal shared his views on the AI development in the country. He noted that AI is increasingly shaping how companies operate and manage digital infrastructure.

"So from our company standpoint, AI is becoming a really integral part of how we operate, how server customers build the networks, manage the networks," Mittal said.

He also highlighted the importance of open standards and global collaboration in AI development, stressing that AI should remain accessible and benefit humanity.

"The Prime Minister also spoke about making open standards, keeping AI open to the world for the benefit of democratising AI, as opposed to caging it and having it in the hands of a few. This seems to be a very clear message. Engage with each other, make open standards, AI should be available to all for the benefit of humanity," Mittal said.

Mittal highlighted India's strength in frugal innovation, citing the country's space achievements as an example.

"Look at the moon mission. India did it at USD 74 million. The U.S. did it at USD 92 billion. And India had a perfect landing on the moon on the difficult side of the moon," Mittal said.

He emphasised that India's combination of digital scale, talent, connectivity, and innovation positions it as a key global hub for AI development and responsible technology adoption.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Open standards are the key. If AI gets locked behind proprietary walls by a few big tech companies, it will create a huge digital divide. India leading this charge is a proud moment.
A
Aditya G
The ambition is great, but we need to walk the talk. First, we must ensure reliable digital infrastructure and internet access for all our own villages. Charity begins at home.
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Sarah B
As someone working in tech, India's talent pool is incredible. If this open, collaborative approach to AI gets global buy-in, it could truly change the game for developing nations.
K
Karthik V
Perfect example with the Chandrayaan cost comparison! We have the brains, the scale, and now the vision. Let's build AI solutions that solve real problems for the common man.
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Nikhil C
Hope this focus on 'AI for humanity' includes strong ethical frameworks and data privacy laws. Technology should empower, not control, the people.

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