'Nothing Will Be More Transformative': Rishi Sunak Reflects On AI's New Era After India Summit

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 16:03 IST

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak shares candid takeaways from New Delhi gathering of the world's top AI minds- from self-improving models to dairy farmers.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said artificial intelligence will be the most transformative force of modern times, warning that countries which fail to embrace it risk becoming “poorer, less productive and less competitive." In a series of reflections shared after attending the India AI Impact Summit, Rishi Sunak said the pace of AI development had accelerated dramatically, with systems now helping to build improved versions of themselves.

“We’re entering a new era where AI improves itself. AI coding is helping to build the next better model quicker and this compounds," he said, pointing to faster releases of advanced AI systems. Rishi Sunak credited PM Narendra Modi and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their leadership in convening global AI leaders and innovators.

India’s Growing AI Momentum

Rishi Sunak said India’s optimism about AI stood out, describing it as significantly higher than in many Western countries.

“The level of AI optimism in India is extraordinary," he said, adding that public trust in the technology would depend on its impact in sectors such as healthcare, education and agriculture. He highlighted the work of Indian AI startup SarvamAI, which recently released indigenous large language models capable of operating across multiple Indian languages.

Rishi Sunak also praised Indian tech leader Nandan Nilekani for supporting AI solutions for dairy farmers, including an assistant designed to improve productivity.

UK Positioning Itself As AI Leader

Rishi Sunak said the UK was strengthening its position in the global AI race through institutions such as the UK AI Security Institute. Rishi Sunak also described discussions with global AI leaders including Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei and Alexandr Wang, saying they reinforced his belief that AI’s impact would accelerate.

Rishi Sunak said AI had the potential to democratise access to essential services and transform developing economies.

“In my lifetime, there is nothing that will be more transformative for our economies, our societies and our lives than AI," he said. He warned that ignoring the technology would carry economic consequences.

“As individuals and as a country, we mustn’t miss this opportunity," he added.

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