Artificial Intelligence – Sam Altman Praises Modi’s AI Vision in India
Artificial Intelligence – OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his forward-looking approach to artificial intelligence, describing India as a rapidly expanding hub for AI development and adoption.
Altman’s remarks came during his visit to New Delhi, where he participated in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and met with senior government officials, including the Prime Minister. He highlighted the remarkable pace at which artificial intelligence tools are being embraced across the country.
India Emerges as a Key Market for OpenAI
Speaking about India’s growing significance in the global AI landscape, Altman noted that the country has become one of OpenAI’s most important markets. According to him, India is currently the company’s second-largest market worldwide and is witnessing exceptional growth.
He pointed to the increasing adoption of Codex, OpenAI’s AI-powered coding assistant, which supports developers by acting as a centralized system for agent-based programming tasks. Over the past two weeks alone, weekly usage of Codex in India has reportedly quadrupled, making the country the fastest-growing market for the tool globally.
Altman described the enthusiasm among Indian developers and technology builders as “extraordinary,” emphasizing that the momentum spans the entire AI ecosystem—from foundational research to application-level innovation.
Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
During his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Altman said he was particularly impressed by the government’s commitment to expanding access to artificial intelligence technologies. He expressed alignment with the Prime Minister’s emphasis on ensuring that AI is widely accessible rather than restricted to a select few.
Altman also acknowledged the balanced approach being advocated—one that promotes innovation while remaining mindful of potential risks. He noted that responsible governance and equitable distribution of AI benefits are essential as the technology continues to evolve.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which has positioned India at the center of global conversations around artificial intelligence policy and development.
Address at IIT Delhi Highlights Developer Energy
Earlier in the day, Altman addressed students and faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, where he interacted with young engineers and researchers working on AI-driven projects. He described the energy on campus as a clear reflection of the broader excitement across the country’s technology sector.
Altman remarked that leaders both within India and internationally are paying close attention to the rapid advancements being made in the country. He suggested that India’s strong base of engineering talent, combined with supportive policy direction, is helping accelerate its position in the global AI race.
Global Focus at India AI Impact Summit 2026
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 marked a significant milestone as the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South. The event brought together policymakers, industry executives, academic researchers, technology innovators, and representatives from civil society to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.
More than 110 countries and 30 international organizations participated in the summit. The event also saw representation from around 20 heads of state or government and approximately 45 ministers, underlining its global importance.
The summit’s agenda centered on three guiding principles—People, Planet, and Progress. These pillars aim to encourage human-centric AI systems that protect individual rights, promote environmentally sustainable technological development, and foster inclusive economic growth.
Discussions throughout the summit focused on building cooperative frameworks for responsible AI governance. Participants examined ways to ensure that artificial intelligence not only drives innovation but also addresses concerns related to ethics, safety, and equitable access.
As global competition intensifies in the field of artificial intelligence, India’s expanding developer ecosystem and policy initiatives appear to be drawing increasing international attention. Altman’s visit and comments underscore the country’s growing role in shaping the next phase of AI development.