India Well Positioned to Lead in AI, Says Sam Altman at AI Impact Summit

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has praised India’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, stating that the country is strongly positioned to emerge as a global leader in the AI era. Speaking at the AI Impact Summit, Altman highlighted India’s growing capabilities in building “sovereign AI” systems and its expanding influence in shaping the future of technology.

Altman emphasised that India possesses a unique combination of scale, talent, digital infrastructure, and policy momentum that could allow it to define how artificial intelligence evolves globally. He noted that the country’s focus on sovereign AI — building AI capabilities rooted in national priorities, data governance, and local innovation — places it at the forefront of emerging digital powers.

India’s Strengths in the AI Ecosystem

According to Altman, India’s strengths extend beyond technological capability. The country has built a robust digital public infrastructure that supports innovation at scale, enabling AI solutions to reach hundreds of millions of users. This foundation creates an environment where AI can be deployed to solve real-world challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, and governance.

India’s vast pool of engineers, developers, and data scientists also plays a crucial role. With one of the world’s largest technology workforces, the nation has the human capital required to develop and scale AI-driven solutions.

Sovereign AI and Strategic Independence

Altman’s reference to sovereign AI reflects a growing global trend in which countries aim to maintain control over critical technologies, data systems, and AI models. India’s emphasis on building indigenous capabilities while collaborating globally positions it as a balanced player in the international AI landscape.

Experts believe sovereign AI initiatives can help nations ensure data security, reduce dependence on foreign platforms, and develop AI systems aligned with cultural, economic, and regulatory priorities.

India’s Rising Global Influence

India’s AI ambitions come at a time when governments worldwide are racing to harness artificial intelligence for economic growth and strategic advantage. With expanding startup activity, increased investment in research and development, and policy support for emerging technologies, India is steadily strengthening its role in the global AI ecosystem.

Altman’s remarks underscore growing international recognition of India’s technological trajectory. As AI continues to transform industries and societies, India’s approach — combining innovation, scale, and inclusive digital infrastructure — could shape how artificial intelligence serves diverse populations worldwide.

The summit discussion reinforced the view that India is not only adopting AI technologies but also helping define their future direction.