Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday praised the India–AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, saying the gathering marked a symbolic return of the digital world to its roots and underlining the summit’s global significance as nations confront rapid technological change. Lula, who sat beside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, called the event “timely” as societies face critical choices over how to govern artificial intelligence.
Posting on X, the Brazilian leader noted the summit was the first of its kind held in the Global South and invoked India’s ancient mathematical heritage, saying, “Here in Delhi, the digital world returns to its homeland.” He warned that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is accelerating while multilateralism is weakening, and argued that global governance of AI must be treated as a strategic priority.
On a State Visit to India from February 18–22, Lula is participating in the second AI Impact Summit and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi on February 21. He framed AI as a technology with dual potential, able to expand collective welfare or deepen inequalities, and urged collective action to ensure computational power, infrastructure and capital do not entrench historical injustices.
Lula also met Google CEO Sundar Pichai on the sidelines of the summit. After the meeting he posted on X that Pichai discussed Google’s investments in Brazil, the opening of an engineering centre in São Paulo and partnerships with the public sector. Lula said he presented Brazil’s vision for AI, the government’s digital public services, the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan and measures to attract data‑centre investment.
The two discussed AI risks — with particular concern for impacts on girls and women — and a proposed regulatory framework before Brazil’s National Congress that aims to protect the country’s creative industries. Lula said Google signalled its commitment to deepen collaboration with the Brazilian government and expand private‑sector initiatives in the country.
Shortly after arriving in New Delhi, Lula shared footage of a traditional welcome and posted a message of greeting to India. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita received him at the airport, and the Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as likely to impart fresh momentum to the strategic India‑Brazil partnership. Lula also said a high‑level business delegation is accompanying him; he noted bilateral trade exceeded US$15 billion in 2025. — IANS
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/sci-and-tech/digital-world-returns-home-lula-at-india-ai-summit-1608041
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Publish Date: 2026-02-19 16:41:00
