Google DeepMind Co-Founder and CEO says India poised to become global AI powerhouse

Date: 2026-02-21
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By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis has described India as emerging as a major force in artificial intelligence, citing the country’s growing adoption of AI technologies and its expanding research capabilities.

Speaking following his participation at the AI Impact Summit in India, Hassabis said the country’s application of AI to real-world challenges signals its potential to play a leading role on the global stage. He credited the Indian government for convening what he characterized as a productive forum for advancing international dialogue on the future of AI.

CEO Hassabis noted that global discussions on artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly urgent as progress toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) accelerates. He observed that AGI could represent one of the most transformative technological shifts in history, with implications for science, medicine, and productivity.

During the summit, Google DeepMind announced new partnerships in India aimed at broadening access to frontier AI tools, including AlphaGenome, WeatherNext, and Gemini-powered learning assistants. Hassabis highlighted India’s position as one of the leading markets for users of the Gemini app and pointed to ongoing research by the company’s Bengaluru-based teams in areas such as efficient AI models and multilingual systems.

He also referenced engagements with students and researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), emphasizing the growing interest in AI among young professionals and academic institutions.

Hassabis underscored the need for continued global cooperation, stating that the rapid evolution of AI technologies requires inclusive dialogue involving governments, scientists, technologists, and broader segments of society. He expressed optimism that responsible development and deployment of AI could accelerate scientific discovery and deliver widespread societal benefits.

 

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