New Delhi, Feb 19: A high-level panel at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 deliberated on the meaning of AI diffusion, national strategies for infrastructure and innovation, and the evolving architecture of global cooperation and regulation.
The session featured H.E. Paula Bogantes Zamora, Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications, Costa Rica; H.E. Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, United Arab Emirates; and Mr. Sriram Krishnan, Senior Policy Advisor for AI, White House and Dr. Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation.
Mr. Sriram Krishnan outlined the United States’ AI priorities, structured around three key pillars: building world-class AI infrastructure, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships with allies. He highlighted the importance of expanding data centre capacity and computing infrastructure while ensuring affordability and energy sustainability. Emphasising the role of entrepreneurs and technology builders, he noted that innovation must not be encumbered by excessive bureaucracy.
He stressed the need for regulatory clarity and predictability to allow innovators to operate with certainty, while safeguarding critical areas such as child protection, intellectual property rights and national security. He further underscored the importance of international partnerships, including technology collaboration and secure supply chains, to advance shared AI capabilities globally.
H.E. Omar Al Olama articulated the United Arab Emirates’ vision of AI as a tool for improving quality of life and driving broad societal benefits. He emphasised that AI diffusion must extend across society through infrastructure readiness, AI literacy and responsible deployment.
Reflecting on his experience as the world’s first Minister of AI, he highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue, global platforms for cooperation and inclusive governance. He cautioned against abrupt regulatory extremes, advocating instead for gradual, proactive and adaptive frameworks that evolve with technology.
Drawing parallels with earlier technological waves, he stressed that regulation should be continuous and consultative, balancing innovation with safeguards, and ensuring that no nation is left outside the global AI conversation.
H.E. Paula Bogantes Zamora offered the perspective of smaller and developing economies, noting that AI compels nations to conduct an honest assessment of their digital readiness. She highlighted foundational enablers such as connectivity, including 5G deployment, national AI strategies, data governance frameworks and investment in research and innovation.
Pointing out disparities in innovation spending and digital infrastructure across regions, she stressed that regulation must reflect each country’s stage of development. She underscored the value of regional cooperation and like-minded groupings to amplify collective voice and strengthen negotiating capacity.
Emphasising data as a key asset, she called for deeper global conversations on the value of data, equitable access to AI tools, and support mechanisms that help countries build foundational capabilities before scaling advanced AI solutions.
Dr. Samir Saran, in his moderating remarks, framed the discussion around the themes of impact, diffusion and multilateralism. He highlighted the need to balance innovation and restraint, reflecting broader questions on safety, guardrails and human-centric design.
The dialogue examined how partnerships, whether regional, thematic or values-based—can ensure that AI governance remains inclusive and responsive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The panel concluded with a shared recognition that AI represents a transformative opportunity for economic growth, societal progress and improved quality of life. Speakers agreed that infrastructure investment, innovation enablement, responsible regulation and expanded global cooperation will be central to ensuring that AI benefits humanity at scale.
The session reaffirmed the India AI Impact Summit 2026 as a premier global platform for shaping safe, inclusive and forward-looking Artificial Intelligence governance.
