India Right Venue for Global AI Dialogue, Says UN Chief Guterres

United Nations, Feb 15: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described India as a “very successful” emerging economy with growing global influence and said it is the “right place” to host the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026, stressing that Artificial Intelligence must benefit all nations, not just major powers.

Congratulating India for convening the February 16–20 summit — the first major AI gathering in the Global South — Guterres said AI should become a universal public good rather than a privilege of developed countries or a US–China duopoly. He will travel to New Delhi to attend the event focused on “People, Planet and Progress.”

Highlighting India’s expanding economic and diplomatic role, Guterres said emerging economies must shape a multipolar world order through stronger trade, technology and cooperation networks. He cited India’s partnerships with global actors and said he looked forward to discussing this vision with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit.

The summit will bring together leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and technology executives such as Sundar Pichai, Shantanu Narayen and Dario Amodei for discussions on AI’s opportunities and risks.

Calling himself a strong advocate of multipolarity, Guterres said global stability requires avoiding both single-power hegemony and bipolar rivalry. He expressed frustration that the UN Security Council still reflects post–Second World War realities and urged reforms to give emerging economies, especially India, a stronger voice in global governance.

Guterres said he hopes India will play a central role in shaping a fair multilateral system and said he looks forward to exchanges with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other leaders during the visit. (Agencies)