During the high profile India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak captured the audience’s attention with a blend of sharp wit and strategic insight. After arriving slightly late due to the city’s dense traffic, Sunak joked that even the most powerful artificial intelligence is currently no match for a Delhi gridlock.
In a lively opening at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brought a touch of humour to the prestigious Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Despite the high tech nature of the gathering, the start of the session was delayed by the city’s notorious traffic, a fact Sunak was quick to own.
Addressing the audience with a quirky apology, he noted that even the most advanced technology has its limits when faced with the gridlock of the Indian capital. He remarked, “Sorry we’re a few minutes late and it’s entirely my fault. AI can do many things as we found out this week, but it can’t yet fix Delhi’s traffic.”
Hailing India as a global tech leader
Once the session was underway, the former Prime Minister turned his attention to the significant role India plays in the global technological landscape. He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing a critical platform for international dialogue on innovation. Sunak emphasised that the summit is essential for ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence reach every part of the world, particularly developing nations.
He stated, “We do need a regular forum, where we can all meet and discuss this technology, and that is what this Summit provides under Prime Modi’s leadership. This summit will deliver impact; it will show us how we can make AI work, not just for the developed world but for the developing world too.”
Celebrating India’s rise as an AI superpower
Sunak further highlighted India’s impressive ascent in global rankings, noting that the country has now secured a “medal position” as an AI superpower. He attributed this success to the unique energy and talent within the nation, which he claimed is unmatched elsewhere. “What this week has been is just a showcase of the extraordinary, not just the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, but the energy that all of you have here to develop this technology and use it, is unlike anywhere else in the world.
It’s a very special ingredient,” he said. Despite India leapfrogging the UK in technology, he couldn’t resist a playful jab regarding cricket, adding, “Although I did just point out to Prime Minister Modi just now, if you look at the ICC test rankings, England is still ahead, which arguably is more important.”
A shared heritage and family ties
The lighthearted atmosphere continued as UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy introduced Sunak as a “great son” of both nations. Sunak quickly offered a witty correction, interjecting with “Son-in-law,” much to the amusement of the crowd.
Lammy also shared his own personal connection to the host nation, revealing that his great grandmother hailed from Calcutta. This exchange underscored the deep, personal bonds that continue to strengthen the partnership between the United Kingdom and India.
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