India’s growing leadership in global digital governance and artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage at the recent Carnegie Global Technology Summit, where international leaders acknowledged the country’s vital contributions to building a secure, inclusive, and forward-looking digital ecosystem.
Maria Adebahr, Director for Cyber, Foreign and Security Policy at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, emphasized India’s strategic relevance in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, she said, “This conference is a great platform to strengthen collaboration with India. Given the current geopolitical environment, India is a key partner for global democracies striving to establish a cyberspace that is safe, transparent, and open to all.”
Adebahr praised India’s approach to AI development, noting that its vast population and growing digital services sector make it a compelling example of how innovation can be both inclusive and secure from the ground up.
Echoing similar sentiments, Jon Simonsson, Senior Director at the Swedish Prime Minister’s Office, lauded India’s thriving innovation ecosystem. He highlighted the nation’s strong foundation in technology and its favorable environment for high-tech growth. “India has the knowledge and the ambition,” he said. “What’s needed now is stronger institutional support for students and entrepreneurs.”
Simonsson also pointed to the significance of financial backing in nurturing innovation, referencing India’s expanding base of over 100 unicorns. “With the kind of capital and entrepreneurial energy present here, startups like DeepSeek are showing the way forward,” he added.
Discussions at the summit also focused on the need for regulatory reform to unlock India’s full technological potential. Lt. Gen. (Retd) Raj Shukla, currently serving on the Union Public Service Commission, stressed that India’s success in cutting-edge ventures stems largely from algorithmic innovation driven by talent. “There’s an urgent need to reduce regulatory hurdles. Innovation thrives best in an environment that encourages freedom and creativity,” he remarked.
Throughout the event, participants highlighted that India’s continued leadership in AI and digital transformation will depend not only on its talent and entrepreneurial spirit but also on sustained efforts to promote openness, experimentation, and long-term investments.
The summit concluded with a resounding message: India is poised to be a central force in crafting the digital future, and the global community is eager to collaborate in this shared mission.
