As the India AI Impact Summit approaches in New Delhi, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has emphasized India’s prominent role in the global dialogue surrounding the future of artificial intelligence. In advance of the summit, Altman remarked that India stands a chance of emerging as a “full-stack AI leader,” positioning the nation alongside other countries that are not only implementing AI technologies but also developing the underlying systems.

This assertion comes at a time when India is experiencing significant growth in AI tool adoption across various sectors, including education, startups, non-profits, and small enterprises.

Growing Importance of India in OpenAI’s Strategy

Altman noted that India is now OpenAI’s second-largest market, following the United States in terms of user base. He revealed that nearly 100 million people in India utilize OpenAI’s products weekly, with students comprising the largest demographic of ChatGPT users globally. Furthermore, India ranks among the leading countries making use of Prism, a free research and collaboration tool developed by OpenAI.

Commitment to Local Development

Expressing OpenAI’s commitment to supporting AI initiatives in India, Altman stated that the company is dedicated to developing AI “with India, for India.” He highlighted the importance of making tools accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, educational background, or technical expertise.

This focus has already translated into practical engagement, as OpenAI recently trained over 200 leaders from non-profits across four Indian cities on utilizing ChatGPT to enhance their operations. In 2025, the company opened its inaugural office in Delhi, with plans for further expansion slated for 2026.

Framework for AI’s Societal Impact

Altman outlined a straightforward model for how AI can positively influence society by ensuring that tools are readily available, integrated into daily life, and accompanied by the confidence to utilize them effectively. He stated that when these elements align, individuals are empowered not merely to use AI but to contribute as creators and beneficiaries of its advancements.

The Indian government is taking steps to cultivate such conditions through initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to enhance computing capacity, support startups, and promote AI applications in public services, including healthcare and agriculture.

Addressing the Skills Gap in AI

While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI, Altman also addressed inherent risks, particularly the “capability overhang”, the disparity between access to AI tools and the requisite skills for effective usage. To mitigate this challenge, he advocated for widespread education in AI, emphasizing the need for real-world skills in coding, research, and knowledge-based work.

Altman underscored that sustained investment in computational resources and energy infrastructure will determine which nations maintain a competitive edge in the field.

Future Collaboration and Summit Details

Altman expressed optimism about AI’s role in shaping both India’s future and the nature of AI development globally. The upcoming India AI Impact Summit, scheduled to take place from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, is expected to attract various global policymakers and technology leaders. However, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang will be notably absent, having to cancel his participation due to unforeseen circumstances.

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