UN Chief calls India a rising power ahead of Global AI Summit; World leaders, tech CEOs to attend

Antonio Guterres praised India as a successful emerging economy and the right venue for a major global AI summit, emphasizing that artificial intelligence must benefit all nations, especially the Global South.

Post Published By: Sona Saini
Updated : 15 February 2026, 2:53 PM IST
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New Delhi: UN Chief Antonio Guterres has praised India, calling it a highly successful emerging economy. He said that India's influence in global affairs is constantly growing, making it the most suitable place to host the upcoming summit on artificial intelligence (AI).

Benefits of AI should be available to entire world

In an exclusive interview at the United Nations Headquarters, Guterres stressed that AI should not be limited to developed countries or a few superpowers. He believes that the development of artificial intelligence should benefit all humanity, especially countries in the Global South.

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Congratulating India for hosting the summit, he said it is crucial that technological progress is inclusive and provides equal opportunities to developing countries.

Historic Conference for the Global South

This high-level AI summit, to be held from February 16 to 20, is considered the first of its kind in the Global South. The summit is based on three key principles - people, planet, and progress - that aim to connect technology with human well-being and sustainable development.

Guterres indicated that it would be unacceptable to make AI a means of competition only among a few powerful countries. He stated that this technology should become a universal tool for humanity, not a means of exacerbating global inequality.

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Participation of World Leaders and Tech Giants

Top leaders and prominent figures in the technology sector from around the world will attend the conference. According to reports, approximately 20 heads of state and ministerial delegations from 45 countries will participate.

These include leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The presence of Sundar Pichai, Shantanu Narayen, and Dario Amodei from the technology world will also make the event special.

India's Growing Global Role

Guterres' comments come at a time when India is rapidly strengthening its global presence in technology, economy, and diplomacy. Hosting the AI ​​Summit is seen as an important step towards India's growing international role and strengthening the voice of the Global South.

The event is expected to not only boost technical collaboration but also pave the way for building a global consensus on the equitable and inclusive use of AI.

Location : 
  • New Delhi

Published : 
  • 15 February 2026, 2:53 PM IST

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