New Delhi

Antonio Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India, on Thursday praised India’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, saying the country is well positioned to emerge as a leading global power in the sector.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Bartoli said India’s technological trajectory is both impressive and strategically significant.

“The trajectory is impressive and India can be a global power in AI,” the Italian envoy said, pointing to the scale of India’s market, its growing innovation ecosystem and the country’s ambition in emerging technologies.

Bartoli noted that India’s rise in artificial intelligence presents valuable opportunities for deeper collaboration with Europe, including Italy. He said such partnerships are rooted in shared interests and common values, particularly in the responsible development of technology.

“It is in the interests of a country like Italy and Europe to partner with India,” he said, emphasising the importance of closer bilateral cooperation in the digital age.

Highlighting ethical considerations, the ambassador said both countries adopt a similar approach to AI that places people at the centre of technological progress. “Because we share a common approach, a human-centric approach,” he added.

The remarks reflect growing international recognition of India’s leadership in artificial intelligence and the strategic relevance of enhanced India–Italy cooperation in promoting responsible, inclusive and ethical AI frameworks.

The India AI Impact Summit has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, AI experts, academicians, technology innovators and civil society representatives from across the world to deepen global dialogue on artificial intelligence.

As the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, the event is examining AI’s transformative potential while aligning with India’s vision of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” (welfare for all, happiness for all) and the broader global goal of AI for humanity.

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The summit forms part of ongoing international efforts to strengthen cooperation on AI governance, safety and its wider societal implications.