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Former UK PM noted that this difference in attitude could shape how countries develop and regulate artificial intelligence in the coming years.
Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak. (File photo)
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday pointed out the contrasting global perceptions towards artificial intelligence (AI), saying that while countries like India show “strong optimism”, many Western nations “remain anxious” about the fast-growing technology.
Speaking at the ‘Governing in the age of AI: Sovereignty, Impact and Strategy’ event in New Delhi, Sunak said that closing this gap in public confidence is now a major task for leaders across the world.
“Across the world, we’re seeing these different attitudes towards AI. In countries like India, where we are, there’s enormous optimism and trust, and in Western countries, we’re seeing that anxiety is still the dominant feeling towards AI,” Sunak said.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the ‘Governing in the age of AI: Sovereignty, Impact and Strategy’ event, Former UK PM Rishi Sunak says, “Across the world, we’re seeing these different attitudes towards AI. In countries like India, where we are, there’s enormous optimism and trust, and in… pic.twitter.com/iQnBckVACo— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026
He noted that this difference in attitude could shape how countries develop and regulate artificial intelligence in the coming years. According to him, governments must act carefully to ensure that people feel safe and confident about the use of AI in daily life.
“I think closing that confidence gap is as much a policy task as it is a technical one,” he added.
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Sunak was speaking during a fireside chat at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. He was joined by Alexandr Wang of Meta for a discussion on the future of AI governance and global cooperation.
The summit, which runs until February 20, has brought together policymakers, technology experts, academics and civil society representatives from around the world. It is being seen as a key platform to shape global thinking on AI policy and strategy.
As the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, the event aims to reflect on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. It aligns with India’s national vision of “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” — welfare for all, happiness for all — and the broader idea of AI for Humanity.
More than 110 countries and 30 international organisations are taking part, including around 20 heads of state or government and about 45 ministers. The summit forms part of an ongoing international effort to strengthen cooperation on AI governance, safety and its wider social impact.
(With inputs from ANI)
February 18, 2026, 16:53 IST
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