Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added a dose of humor to high-level diplomacy when he addressed the AI Impact Summit in the national capital on February 19, 2026. Arriving slightly late to his session at Bharat Mandapam, Sunak disarmed the audience with a witty comment that quickly became the highlight of the day.
“Sorry we’re a few minutes late and it’s entirely my fault,” he began with a smile. “AI can do many things as we found out this week, but it can’t yet fix Delhi’s traffic.” The remark drew laughter from the gathering of global leaders, policymakers, and tech innovators, instantly setting a relaxed tone for the discussion.
Delhi’s traffic congestion, especially during major international events and VVIP movements, is no secret. With road restrictions in place around the summit venue, delays were almost inevitable. Sunak’s playful acknowledgment resonated with everyone in the room.
Beyond the humor, his speech carried a strong message about India’s growing influence in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. He praised Narendra Modi for providing an international platform to discuss AI’s transformative potential. According to Sunak, such forums are essential as the world navigates one of the most significant technological revolutions of our time.
He stressed that artificial intelligence must benefit not only developed economies but also emerging nations. “This summit will deliver impact,” he said. “It will show us how we can make AI work not just for the developed world, but for the developing world too.” His remarks underlined the importance of inclusive innovation and global cooperation.
Sunak went on to describe India as one of the most exciting places to discuss the AI transformation. He pointed to international rankings that show India climbing rapidly in global AI leadership. Calling India’s position among the “medal positions” as an AI superpower, he said it was a moment of pride for the country’s technology community.
He highlighted the energy and ambition he witnessed at the summit, describing it as unmatched. According to him, India possesses a unique combination of scale, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit that makes it a natural leader in shaping the AI future.
The former UK Prime Minister also spoke about practical applications of AI. He emphasized how artificial intelligence can transform healthcare systems, improve diagnostics, and expand access to education across the globe. In his view, AI is not just about innovation but about improving everyday lives.
Adding a lighter touch to his address, Sunak joked about friendly competition between India and the United Kingdom. While acknowledging that India may have overtaken the UK in certain global AI rankings, he quipped that England still leads in ICC Test cricket rankings — “which arguably is more important,” he said with a grin.
The summit also featured UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who introduced Sunak warmly as “a great son of the United Kingdom and also a great son of India.” Sunak promptly corrected him with a smile, saying, “Son-in-law,” drawing another round of laughter. Lammy then shared his own family connection to India, mentioning that his great-grandmother was from Calcutta.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 showcased India’s growing stature as a global technology hub. With leaders from across the world participating, the event highlighted India’s ambition to play a central role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Sunak’s speech captured both the optimism and responsibility that come with that leadership.