The fourth Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in New Delhi witnessed significant diplomatic engagement as world leaders gathered to address the rapidly evolving AI landscape. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron delivered keynote addresses emphasizing the need for global cooperation and equitable access to artificial intelligence technologies.
Guterres issued a stark warning against allowing AI’s future to be determined by “the whims of a handful of billionaires,” advocating instead for a $3 billion global fund to ensure open access to AI systems. He emphasized that technological development must not exacerbate existing inequalities between developed and developing nations.
French President Macron articulated Europe’s balanced approach, stating: “Europe is not a place of blind trust in regulation, but rather an ecosystem that fosters innovation and investment while maintaining safety standards.” He reaffirmed France’s commitment to collaborative rule-making with international partners including India.
The summit, notable as the first global AI conference hosted by a developing nation, provided India with a platform to showcase its emerging AI capabilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted recent launches of indigenous AI models, asserting that “AI solutions successful in India can be deployed globally.” He emphasized India’s belief in open systems and shared benefits, noting that millions of young Indian minds could contribute to making AI safer and more effective.
A notable absence was Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who withdrew his participation shortly before his scheduled speech amid ongoing questions about his associations with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. A representative from the Gates Foundation attended in his place.
Despite India’s rise to third place in Stanford University’s global AI competitiveness ranking, experts acknowledge the country still faces significant challenges in competing with AI superpowers the United States and China. The five-day conference, concluding Friday, continues to serve as a critical forum for discussing AI’s potential benefits while addressing its associated risks and ethical considerations.