Feb 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer of Google, on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape.
Describing the interaction as a delight, the Prime Minister said discussions centred around the transformative work India is undertaking in Artificial Intelligence and the possibilities for deeper collaboration with Google. The meeting took place during the high-profile AI Impact Summit, which has brought together global leaders, policymakers, technology executives and researchers to deliberate on shaping an inclusive and responsible AI future.
India’s Expanding AI Ecosystem
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s multi-dimensional efforts to build a strong AI ecosystem. From policy frameworks promoting ethical AI deployment to large-scale skilling initiatives, India is positioning itself as a key global hub for AI research, innovation and application.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of empowering India’s vast pool of students and professionals with cutting-edge AI knowledge and tools. With one of the world’s largest youth populations and a rapidly growing technology sector, India offers immense potential for AI-driven innovation.
He noted that collaboration with global technology leaders like Google could significantly enhance India’s AI capabilities, particularly in research partnerships, skilling programmes and the development of trusted AI tools tailored for diverse populations.
Focus on Skilling and Talent Development
One of the key themes of the discussion was how Google can work closely with India’s talented students, startups and professionals in the AI domain. India has been actively investing in digital infrastructure, expanding internet connectivity and strengthening its startup ecosystem. These efforts provide fertile ground for innovation in areas such as machine learning, generative AI, data analytics and AI-enabled public services.
Industry collaboration is seen as critical in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. By partnering with institutions, startups and government initiatives, companies like Google can help accelerate AI adoption while ensuring responsible and ethical deployment.
AI for Inclusive Growth
The meeting also comes at a time when India is advocating a people-centric and inclusive approach to Artificial Intelligence. The AI Impact Summit has focused on themes such as AI safety, governance, transparency and equitable access. India’s approach emphasises leveraging AI for public good — improving healthcare delivery, enhancing agricultural productivity, optimising logistics and strengthening education systems.
Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly stressed that AI must serve humanity and contribute to sustainable development. In this context, partnerships with global technology firms are expected to play a crucial role in sharing best practices, building secure AI infrastructure and fostering innovation ecosystems that benefit both urban and rural populations.
Strengthening India–Global Tech Partnerships
Google has maintained a strong presence in India for years, investing in digital skilling initiatives, startup support programmes and research collaborations. The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Sundar Pichai reflects the shared interest in expanding these engagements into next-generation technologies.
As AI becomes central to economic competitiveness, national security and technological leadership, strategic collaborations between governments and private technology firms are gaining importance worldwide. India’s ambition to emerge as a trusted AI partner on the global stage aligns with Google’s focus on responsible AI development and global digital transformation.
Significance of the AI Impact Summit
The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi has provided a platform for dialogue between governments, international organisations and industry leaders. By hosting such a major global event, India has reinforced its commitment to shaping global AI governance frameworks and ensuring that emerging technologies are deployed responsibly.
The Prime Minister’s interaction with Sundar Pichai highlights the growing convergence between public policy and technological innovation. It signals India’s readiness to collaborate with global tech leaders while safeguarding national priorities such as data protection, digital sovereignty and inclusive growth.
Looking Ahead
As Artificial Intelligence continues to redefine industries and societies, partnerships between governments and technology companies will be instrumental in unlocking its full potential. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Google CEO Sundar Pichai reflects a shared vision of harnessing AI for economic growth, innovation and social progress.
With India accelerating its digital transformation journey, deeper collaboration in AI research, skilling and deployment could further strengthen the country’s position as a leading technology powerhouse in the years ahead.
