Mukesh Ambani Says Jio Will Drive India’s AI Transformation at AI Impact Summit 2026

India’s artificial intelligence ambitions took centre stage at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where industry leaders and global policymakers outlined the country’s growing role in shaping the future of AI. Speaking at the summit, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, said that Jio will play a significant role in accelerating India’s AI transformation.

Ambani highlighted the importance of inclusive technology adoption and emphasised that AI-driven growth must benefit every section of society. He also made three major announcements during his address and assured that AI-led innovation would be implemented in a way that protects employment opportunities.

Global leaders emphasise responsible AI development

The summit brought together global leaders including Narendra Modi, Emmanuel Macron and Sundar Pichai, along with representatives from international organisations and major technology firms.

During his keynote address, Prime Minister Modi stressed the need for the democratisation of artificial intelligence, urging that AI should empower citizens rather than reduce humans to mere data resources. He described the summit as a moment of pride for India and thanked global technology leaders for their participation.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised India’s digital ecosystem and highlighted its large-scale digital identity and payment infrastructure, while also stressing the importance of online safety, especially for children and teenagers.

AI governance, safety and global cooperation in focus

Global discussions at the summit focused on AI governance, digital safety and the ethical use of emerging technologies. Leaders warned about risks such as deepfakes and misinformation, stressing the need for safeguards and responsible innovation.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned against allowing the future of AI to be shaped by a few powerful entities, emphasising the importance of inclusive global participation.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai described the world as being on the cusp of “hyper-progress,” highlighting the rapid expansion of AI development hubs across India.

Expo visit and global cooperation agenda

Following the opening ceremony, world leaders were scheduled to visit the India AI Impact Expo 2026 to explore innovations and emerging technologies. A Leaders’ Plenary at Bharat Mandapam is set to outline national and global priorities related to AI infrastructure, governance and international cooperation.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold a CEO roundtable with global technology executives to discuss investment, research partnerships, supply chains and AI deployment strategies.

Galgotias University apologises amid controversy

Meanwhile, a representative from Galgotias University apologised for a controversy linked to an exhibit at the summit, stating that the institution had vacated its stall and launched an internal inquiry to prevent future errors.

India positions itself as global AI leader

With participation from leaders across more than 100 countries and thousands of startups, the summit reflects India’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation.

Industry experts say India’s strengths in digital infrastructure, talent and scale position the country to lead inclusive AI development, ensuring technology serves both economic growth and societal progress.