New Delhi AI declaration faces questions on digital divide, surveillance, corporate control

By Raj Kumar Sinha* 

After the advent of the computer and the internet, the world is now witnessing the rise of “Artificial Intelligence,” or AI. It is being claimed that almost every aspect of human activity can now be efficiently managed through AI. Even the uniquely human faculties of thinking and reasoning, we are told, can be replicated through intelligent systems. The recently held AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi was an effort to consolidate the global business and policy ecosystem around this new technological frontier. But what exactly emerged from that summit?

The AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi, concluded with the adoption of what was described as a historic “New Delhi Declaration” on global cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. Representatives from around 91 countries and international organizations endorsed the declaration. It emphasized that the benefits of AI should be shared equitably across humanity, echoing the Indian philosophical ideals of “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (for the welfare and happiness of all) and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). The declaration stressed fair access to AI resources so that all countries can develop and deploy the technology for public good.

The summit is expected to promote long-term international partnerships and to position AI as a key driver of economic growth. According to the organizers, it will encourage nations to translate shared principles into actionable frameworks. With participation from both developed economies and emerging markets, the New Delhi Declaration represents a broad global effort to build consensus on AI development and enhance technological cooperation.

In a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment, countries across the world are prioritizing modern technologies and innovation. Development strategies increasingly incorporate advanced technologies, transforming traditional modes of work. The expanding scope of AI has significantly influenced global working patterns and the human role within them. Experts argue that AI is no longer merely a technical subject; it has become a force shaping society, economy, politics, and nearly every dimension of human life. In sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, industry, communication, security, and governance, AI has opened new possibilities. At the same time, it has introduced complex and far-reaching challenges.

AI is often regarded as the core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Machine learning, data analytics, and automation have accelerated production and streamlined decision-making. In hospitals, AI assists in disease detection; for farmers, it provides weather forecasts and crop advisory services; in administration, it facilitates the digitization of public services. These are notable achievements. However, this technological transformation is not limited to tools and processes—it is reshaping social structures.

Automation driven by AI raises concerns about the elimination of traditional jobs, especially those requiring low and medium-level skills. Conversely, demand for high-technology skills is increasing. This divergence risks deepening social inequality. Without serious investment in reskilling, upskilling, and education, technology could become a source of division rather than empowerment.

At the core of AI lies data—and therein lies one of its greatest risks. The indiscriminate collection of citizens’ personal data, its commercial exploitation, and state surveillance threaten the right to privacy. Technologies such as facial recognition, introduced in the name of security, can potentially undermine democratic freedoms. A fundamental question arises: who will control AI—citizens, or powerful states and corporations?

AI is not inherently neutral. It reproduces the biases embedded in the data on which it is trained. If datasets reflect prejudices related to caste, gender, class, or race, AI-driven decisions may perpetuate discrimination. In areas such as judicial processes, recruitment systems, and credit distribution, the consequences can be serious. Ethical standards and accountability mechanisms are therefore indispensable.

At present, AI technology is largely dominated by a handful of countries and multinational corporations. This raises the specter of a new form of digital colonialism, where developing nations risk becoming mere consumers. For countries like India, it is essential to develop AI not merely as a market commodity but as an instrument of public welfare.

Artificial intelligence neither deserves blind praise nor fearful rejection. What is required is democratic oversight, a robust legal framework, ethical norms, and public-interest-oriented policies. The use of AI in education, healthcare, environmental protection, and social justice will be meaningful only if human dignity, equality, and rights remain central. Ultimately, the question is not about technology itself, but about our social vision.

Will AI determine the future, or will we decide how AI shapes that future? The answer depends on the choices we make. To harness AI’s potential in India, strong initiatives in skill development, reskilling, and AI literacy are essential. The country currently lacks adequate advanced computing infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing capacity, and hyperscale data centers necessary for competitive AI development.

Meanwhile, large corporations are increasingly deploying AI to cut costs, often resulting in job reductions. In this context, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, has issued a stark warning about AI’s impact on employment. She has cautioned that nearly 40 percent of entry-level jobs worldwide are at risk from AI, a figure that could rise to 60 percent in advanced economies. For India, she suggested the exposure may be around 26 percent.

The possibility that AI could pose a long-term threat to human civilization is now the subject of global debate. Many experts, researchers, and technology leaders have expressed concern that unchecked AI development could create existential risks. If the pace of AI innovation outstrips the establishment of safety standards and regulatory frameworks, it may generate dangers that humanity is ill-prepared to manage. As writer and journalist Priyadarshan has observed, if the internet diminished our memory, AI may erode our imagination. Planning for the future must take this challenge seriously.

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*Senior activist of the Bargi Dam Displaced Association