The UK is increasing its efforts to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can boost the economy, create jobs, and enhance public services. This is happening at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in India, where leaders from various countries are meeting to discuss how AI can improve daily life globally, not just in wealthy nations.
The UK delegation is being led by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan.
Over the week, they will hold discussions focused on making AI work for citizens, boosting economic growth and ensuring sustainability. The talks build on previous AI summits held in Bletchley, Seoul and Paris, where the UK played a key role in shaping global AI discussions.
At the summit, the UK will argue that AI can become a powerful tool for renewal, helping doctors diagnose illnesses faster, teachers personalise lessons, councils deliver services quicker, and businesses create new types of jobs.
£100B investment in the UK AI sector
Since the government took office in the summer of 2024, the UK has attracted more than £100 billion in private investment into its AI sector. This shows strong global confidence in British AI talent and innovation.
The government says it is turning ambition into action through its AI Opportunities Action Plan, designed to unlock investment, create jobs and strengthen partnerships with global tech companies.
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy says, “The UK is leading the way on AI innovations and expertise. We are rightly a magnet for investment and talent from across the globe. This Summit is an important moment in determining how we can work together with our international partners to unlock the full benefits and potential of AI, while baking in robust and fair safety standards that protect us all.”
“We are turning ambition into action to deliver UK jobs, growth and prosperity. The business leaders joining us in India will build concrete partnerships and secure investment that delivers opportunity for working people in the UK, India and across the globe,” adds Lammy.
This follows the Prime Minister’s visit to Mumbai in October, where Indian firms committed £1.3 billion in investment into the UK.
India is also a major market for British companies, with UK firms generating more than £47.5 billion in revenue from business operations in India.
AI for development: £58M programme
One of the key announcements at the summit will be new support for an African Language Hub. The initiative will enable AI systems to operate in 40 African languages, making the technology more accessible and inclusive.
This is part of the £58 million AI for Development (AI4D) programme, which aims to ensure developing countries benefit from AI.
Three new initiatives under AI4D include:
- An Asian AI4D Observatory to support responsible AI innovation and governance across South and Southeast Asia
- An AI4D Compute Hub at the University of Cape Town, giving African innovators access to high-level computing power
- The African Language Hub to improve inclusivity in AI systems
UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said, “AI is the defining technology of our generation – and we’re determined to make sure it delivers for everyone. It can cut waiting times, transform public services, create new jobs and give hard-working communities a fresh start – and that’s exactly the message we’re taking to the summit.”
“It is central to our plans for delivering national renewal, but its benefits can’t and shouldn’t be reserved for the few. That’s why the UK is leading from the front, pushing a global vision for AI that helps people everywhere to learn more, earn more, and shape the future on their terms,” adds Narayan
Vision 2035
Last year, the UK Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Vision 2035, a shared plan to strengthen cooperation in technology, innovation and economic growth.
Both countries are investing in advanced research areas, including better batteries, next-generation telecoms for rural communities and genomic medicine for rare diseases.
The UK government says AI sits at the centre of its national renewal strategy and that international cooperation will be critical to shaping the technologies of the future responsibly.
