India well positioned to be leader in AI: Former UK PM Rishi Sunak

Sunak Spotlights India's AI Strengths at Delhi Summit

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently shared his views on India's promising role in the world of artificial intelligence during an interactive session at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

He emphasized that India stands out due to its deep pool of talented professionals, robust digital public infrastructure, and a population that embraces new technology with enthusiasm.

Sunak pointed out that while many Western countries grapple with anxiety over AI's rapid rise, India shows incredible optimism and trust, creating a fertile ground for widespread adoption.

This positive mindset, combined with practical deployment strategies, positions India not just as a participant but as a potential global leader in harnessing AI for societal benefits.

Sunak's comments came amid discussions on how nations can maximize AI's transformative power.

He noted that the conversation around AI has evolved from mere technological invention to strategic deployment, urging leaders to make it a core government priority rather than a side issue.

For India, this approach is already paying off, as evidenced by its third-place ranking in the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy 2025 report for competitiveness and ecosystem strength.

This recognition underscores how focusing on real-world application can drive broader impact, helping more people through innovations in healthcare, governance, and beyond.

Contrasting Global Attitudes Toward AI

One of the key themes in Sunak's address was the stark difference in how AI is perceived around the globe.

In India, there's a sense of excitement and confidence, fueled by successful integrations like digital payments and public services that have built trust in technology.

Contrast this with the West, where fear often dominates discussions, centered on job losses and ethical concerns.

Sunak argued that bridging this confidence gap requires deliberate policy efforts, not just technical fixes, to show tangible benefits and ease public worries.

I think India has recognised that leadership in technology doesn't just depend on inventing technology, it's about how you deploy it. So, by focusing on mass adoption here, obviously backed by a deep talent pool, strong digital public infrastructure, and a public very supportive of the technology, I think India is well positioned to be a leader in AI and demonstrate its mass adoption and deployment in society.

This perspective highlights why India's model could serve as a blueprint for others seeking to balance innovation with inclusivity.

Sunak also touched on the need for education reforms, digital literacy programs, and workforce reskilling to prepare societies for AI-driven changes, ensuring no one is left behind.

Implications for Jobs and Future Policy

Sunak did not shy away from addressing AI's potential disruptions, candidly stating that certain jobs, especially repetitive ones, will inevitably be affected.

However, he balanced this by stressing that new opportunities will emerge in innovative fields, provided governments act swiftly on reskilling initiatives.

At the summit, which runs from February 16 to 20 and draws global experts, these ideas sparked lively debates on responsible AI use and international collaboration.

Sunak called for public sector adoption to build real-world trust, like faster services and better healthcare, turning abstract fears into positive experiences.

India's journey in AI reflects a pragmatic shift: prioritizing deployment over invention alone.

With its young demographic, tech-savvy workforce, and systems like Aadhaar and UPI paving the way, the country is primed to influence global standards.

Sunak's endorsement adds weight to ongoing efforts by Indian policymakers to integrate AI ethically across sectors.

As the summit continues, expectations are high for actionable outcomes that could accelerate this momentum.

In summary, Rishi Sunak's insights paint India as a frontrunner in AI, thanks to its adoption focus, supportive ecosystem, and optimistic outlook, while calling for proactive policies to manage challenges like job shifts and build universal confidence.