India Takes Center Stage in Global AI and Digital Governance
India's increasing role in the world of global digital governance and artificial intelligence (AI) was high on the agenda at the Carnegie Global Technology Summit, where global leaders praised the nation's efforts in creating a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital age.
Maria Adebahr, Germany's Federal Foreign Office Director for Cyber, Foreign and Security Policy, referred to India as a key partner in the digital era. "This conference is a great chance to strengthen ties with India. With the geopolitical context, India is such a key country to cooperate with," she said. Adebahr underscored the significance of international democratic cooperation in establishing a secure and open cyberspace, as artificial intelligence should be made inclusive and secure. "India is a very good example, given its large population, service sector, and digital capabilities", she added.
Reiterating these words, Senior Director at the Swedish Prime Minister's Office, Jon Simonsson, lauded India's bustling innovation hub and leadership potential for high-tech advancements. He appreciated the institutional framework to empower the student and entrepreneurs, and highlighted the importance of funding in terms of growth. "India currently boasts more than 100 unicorns this demonstrates that startups have the capability to invest and innovate, just as DeepSeek does", he emphasized.
Contributing to the debate, Member Union Public Service Commission Lt. Gen. (Retd) Raj Shukla referred to India's resilience in algorithmic innovation led by indigenous talent. He promoted regulation reform, stating, "We need innovation, but innovations and regulations don't go together. India must deregulate hugely to unleash its full potential".
Throughout the summit, the speakers emphasized that India's technological leadership in digital governance and AI is not only based on talent and technology but also on building an environment that supports openness, experimentation, and long-term investment. The summit reiterated India's key role in the shaping of the future of global digital policy and emerging technologies.
