The 2026 AI Impact Summit concluded this week with a landmark agreement challenging traditional tech power structures, as developing nations rallied behind India's vision for equitable artificial intelligence development. More than 80 countries endorsed the New Delhi Declaration, establishing frameworks for national control over data and algorithms.
Redrawing the Digital Map
Central to discussions was the concept of 'Sovereign AI' – the right of nations to develop localized systems reflecting cultural values and development priorities. India demonstrated its digital public infrastructure model, which has delivered AI-powered services to 800 million users while maintaining state oversight.
Multipolar Governance Models
The Chinese delegation, led by Vice Minister of Science and Technology Chen Jiachang, presented China's Global AI Governance Initiative emphasizing industrial applications and cross-border collaboration. This approach complements India's focus on social equity, together offering developing economies alternatives to Western-dominated systems.
Implementation Challenges Surface
While the summit achieved policy breakthroughs, operational difficulties highlighted the road ahead. Transportation gridlock in New Delhi and a controversial robot dog demonstration revealed gaps between ambition and execution. Nevertheless, participants unanimously praised the establishment of a $2 billion multilateral fund for AI capacity building.
As nations depart New Delhi, attention turns to regional implementation. Southeast Asian countries have already announced plans to establish a shared computing infrastructure hub, while African delegates are negotiating standardized data governance protocols.
