News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026 Highlights India’s Global Ambitions Across AI, Trade And Technology

The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026 brought together policymakers, global strategists, industry leaders and diplomats in New Delhi for two days of discussions focused on India’s economic trajectory, technological leadership and geopolitical positioning. Anchored on the theme “Strength Within,” the summit reflected how India is positioning itself as a more assertive player in global decision-making across sectors such as artificial intelligence, trade, infrastructure and defence.

Addressing the gathering, Narendra Modi said India’s growth is rooted in long-term economic foundations rather than short-term gains. He noted that the country is once again strengthening pillars that historically supported its global economic relevance: manufacturing capability, product quality and stable economic policies. According to him, India’s current momentum is the outcome of sustained effort over generations rather than a sudden shift. He also emphasized that the past decade has brought renewed confidence and energy to the country’s development trajectory.

Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme during the discussions. Modi said that while India remained largely a follower during earlier industrial revolutions, the AI era presents an opportunity for the country to participate in shaping global decisions. He pointed to the growth of India’s AI startup ecosystem and increasing investments in computing power and data infrastructure as indicators of this shift.

Trade and manufacturing competitiveness were also highlighted. Piyush Goyal said India remains engaged in ongoing trade discussions with the United States while prioritising national interests. He described the US as both an important trading partner and a strategic technology collaborator, adding that India’s focus remains on negotiating agreements that strengthen competitiveness while protecting domestic priorities.

International observers at the summit also acknowledged India’s rising influence. George Yeo described India’s development model as increasingly self-sustaining and strategically important in Asia’s evolving geopolitical balance. According to him, India’s willingness to take independent economic and political decisions has strengthened its standing globally.

Technology infrastructure and digital governance formed another key part of the dialogue. Ashwini Vaishnaw said the trust framework around AI deployment will be critical as new technologies scale. Addressing concerns about job displacement, he argued that India’s IT industry has historically adapted to technological disruption, citing the global role played by Indian companies during the Y2K crisis.

India’s ambitions in next-generation connectivity were also discussed. Jyotiraditya Scindia said India aims to lead global conversations around 6G technology through the Bharat 6G Alliance, which brings together industry, research and government stakeholders. The initiative has already established partnerships with more than 30 countries and is contributing to global standards discussions.

Strategic affairs also featured prominently. Nick Carter said India’s growing economic strength and diplomatic leverage position it as a natural candidate for greater influence in global institutions, including discussions around reforming international governance frameworks.

Speakers from across sectors—including diplomats, technology experts and defence analysts—participated in sessions exploring geopolitical shifts, sustainability, AI governance and emerging economic corridors. The diversity of participants reflected India’s expanding diplomatic outreach and growing role in international policy conversations.

Beyond the discussions themselves, the summit also underscored how large policy platforms are evolving into spaces where economic strategy, technology policy and global diplomacy intersect. For businesses and policymakers, such forums increasingly shape narratives around investment, innovation and international partnerships.

As the sessions concluded, the overarching message was that India’s development narrative is moving from aspiration to execution—driven by manufacturing expansion, technology adoption and a stronger role in shaping global economic and political frameworks.