The India Today AI Summit held in 2026 featured notable speakers including CP Gurnani, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder of AIonOS, Umesh Sachdeva, CEO of Unifor, and Sourav Kumar Sahu from Exchange (India). The event, moderated by Business Today's editor Siddharth Zarabi, focused on the issue of whether artificial intelligence (AI) should be governed digitally. CP Gurnani initiated the discussion by drawing an analogy between cars and highways, emphasizing the necessity of implementing proper controls over AI systems, akin to brakes and steering in vehicles to ensure safety and accuracy of use.

Umesh Sachdeva expressed a different viewpoint regarding the need for governance structures around AI usage. He pointed out that while countries like China and the USA are advancing with large language models and hardware development, India is also striving to keep pace in this competitive race. Sachdeva stressed the critical distinction between regulation and over-regulation, warning that excessive regulations could stifle the innovation and growth necessary for AI technology. This dialogue highlights the ongoing debate within the country about how best to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI while ensuring ethical and responsible use.

Overall, the discussions at the summit reflect a significant and timely examination of AI governance in India, as experts call for balanced measures that would facilitate innovation without compromising safety and accountability. The implications of these discussions are vast, potentially influencing policy decisions that shape the future of AI deployment across various sectors in India.