86 nations, two international organisations sign AI Impact Summit declaration

A sweeping global consensus on the future of artificial intelligence took shape in the capital this week, as 86 countries and two international organisations endorsed a joint declaration at the India AI Impact Summit, positioning AI as both a development tool and a shared global responsibility.

The declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the two-day summit held on February 18–19, frames AI as a transformative force whose benefits must be widely distributed. Rooted in the guiding idea of “सर्वजन हिताय, सर्वजन सुखाय” (welfare for all, happiness of all), it calls for deeper international cooperation and a multi-stakeholder approach to govern and deploy AI responsibly.

Participants agreed that the current moment represents a decisive turning point in technological evolution, with today’s policy and design choices likely to shape how AI impacts future generations. The document lays out a seven-pillar framework—referred to as “Chakras”—covering human capital development, equitable access, trust and safety, energy efficiency, scientific advancement, resource democratization, and economic growth aligned with social good.


Announcing the outcome, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the declaration had drawn broad international support, including from major economies such as the US, UK, Canada, China, Denmark and Germany.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi's human-centric AI vision been accepted by the world. Democratising Artificial Intelligence resources so AI facilities, services and technology can reach everyone in society has been accepted by all,” the minister said.

He added that countries had converged on the need to balance growth with broader societal priorities. “Not just economic growth, even social harmony has to be kept in mind. Safety and trust are at the centre, they have been brought among the main points,” Vaishnaw said.

At the core of the declaration is a push to make AI infrastructure and tools more accessible. It highlights the importance of affordable digital connectivity and endorses frameworks such as the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI, aimed at expanding access to foundational AI resources while supporting local innovation ecosystems.

The agreement also emphasises the role of open-source systems and shared platforms in scaling AI solutions across sectors. Initiatives like the Global AI Impact Commons are expected to serve as collaborative hubs for replicating successful AI applications globally.

On governance, the declaration underscores the need for secure, trustworthy AI systems, backed by technical standards, voluntary industry measures, and policy frameworks that safeguard public interest without stifling innovation. A proposed Trusted AI Commons will act as a shared repository of tools, benchmarks and best practices.

Scientific collaboration emerged as another key theme, with countries backing the creation of an international network of AI research institutions to pool expertise and accelerate breakthroughs. The declaration also stresses removing structural barriers to research infrastructure to enable wider participation in AI-driven scientific discovery.

The human capital dimension received significant attention, with commitments to expand AI education, workforce training, and reskilling initiatives. Governments and institutions are expected to collaborate on building AI literacy and preparing workers for shifts in the global economy.

At the same time, the declaration acknowledges the growing strain AI places on energy and infrastructure, calling for more efficient systems and resilient digital ecosystems. It references guiding principles and playbooks aimed at developing sustainable AI infrastructure.

The summit itself drew strong global participation, with policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers converging in New Delhi. According to the government, the event secured infrastructure investment commitments exceeding $250 billion, alongside roughly $20 billion in venture capital and deep-tech funding.

More than five lakh visitors attended the exhibition component, reflecting heightened public and industry engagement with AI technologies. The gathering also featured leading figures from global technology firms, including Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Brad Smith, and Dario Amodei, with discussions ranging from AI governance and risks to the long-term prospects of artificial general intelligence.

Officials described the summit as a signal of growing global confidence in India’s role in shaping the next phase of AI development. The declaration, while voluntary and non-binding, is expected to guide future cooperation as countries work to translate shared principles into actionable frameworks.