AI Can’t Fix Delhi Traffic Yet: Rishi Sunak’s Viral Moment at India AI Summit 2026
Noopur Kumari | Fri, 20 Feb 2026
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, Rishi Sunak mixed humour with serious global policy discussion. While apologising for a short delay due to traffic, he quipped that AI cannot yet solve Delhi’s congestion. Beyond the joke, Sunak praised India’s optimism about AI, called for global cooperation, and said India is well positioned to lead AI adoption. His remarks highlighted how AI can transform healthcare, education, and governance across both developed and developing nations.
No better place than India to discuss AI transformation, says Rishi Sunak at AI Summit
Image credit : ANI
When technology leaders gather to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence, serious policy and innovation dominate the stage. But at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, it was a light hearted comment that captured attention. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak drew laughter when he apologised for arriving late and joked that AI can do many things, but it still cannot fix Delhi’s traffic. His remark instantly went viral, blending humour with a deeper conversation about AI’s real world impact.
!["India has one of deepest pools of AI talent": Ex UK PM Rishi Sunak]()
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, Rishi Sunak opened his session with humility and humour. Apologising for arriving late, he remarked that Artificial Intelligence can achieve remarkable breakthroughs, but it still cannot fix Delhi’s traffic. The audience responded with laughter, instantly creating connection and credibility. His comment reflected leadership authenticity and cultural awareness. As a former Prime Minister speaking at a global technology forum, Sunak combined expertise with relatability. The moment quickly gained traction online, driving engagement and reinforcing India’s growing importance in global AI discussions.
Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Rishi Sunak said there is no better place than India to lead the global AI transformation. He praised the forum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and called it a vital platform for global cooperation. Sunak stressed that Artificial Intelligence must benefit both developed and developing nations. With its strong digital public infrastructure, skilled talent pool, and large scale technology adoption, India stands as a trusted example of responsible innovation and inclusive AI leadership.
![India shows robust optimism and trust for AI unlike West: Rishi Sunak]()
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Rishi Sunak highlighted a powerful global contrast in how Artificial Intelligence is perceived. In India, he noted widespread optimism, public trust, and strong support for digital innovation. In many Western countries, however, AI discussions are often shaped by caution and regulatory anxiety. Sunak explained that the debate has moved beyond what AI can do to how nations strategically deploy it for growth. This shift underscores AI’s role in national development, economic planning, and governance. His remarks offered credible insight into why India is emerging as a confident leader in responsible AI adoption.
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Rishi Sunak made it clear that Artificial Intelligence must move beyond being a technical topic discussed only by experts. He emphasized that AI should become a core responsibility for political leaders because it directly affects national security, education reform, healthcare innovation, and economic growth. His remarks reflect a growing global consensus that AI policy shapes the future of nations. Strong leadership ensures ethical deployment, data protection, and inclusive access. In today’s digital age, AI strategy is not optional. It is central to governance, competitiveness, and long term national development.
Sunak concluded by saying India is well positioned to become a global AI leader. He highlighted the country’s deep talent pool, strong digital public infrastructure, and supportive population. He noted that leadership is not only about inventing technology but also about deploying it at scale. India’s experience with digital platforms and mass adoption gives it a competitive advantage. According to Sunak, the country can demonstrate how AI improves healthcare, education, and governance across society.
Rishi Sunak’s traffic joke may have drawn laughter, but his larger message was serious. AI is no longer just about technology innovation. It is about strategy, governance, and inclusive growth. His remarks at Bharat Mandapam positioned India as a central player in shaping global AI transformation.
The viral moment reminds us that even in complex global discussions, a touch of humour can connect leaders with people. And while AI may not fix Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Delhi traffic yet, it is clearly driving conversations about the future of nations.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
1. What did Rishi Sunak say about AI at the India AI Summit 2026?
Rishi Sunak said Artificial Intelligence must become a central responsibility for political leaders. He stressed that AI policy affects national security, healthcare, education, and economic growth, and should not remain a niche technical subject.
2. Why did Sunak mention Delhi traffic during the summit?
He made a light hearted comment apologising for arriving late, joking that AI can do many things but cannot yet fix Delhi’s traffic. The remark connected with the audience and quickly gained attention online.
3. Where was the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held?
The summit took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts.
4. What is Sunak’s view on India’s role in AI?
Sunak said India is well positioned to lead in AI due to its strong digital infrastructure, deep talent pool, and large scale technology adoption.
5. How does AI influence national development?
AI impacts public services, defense strategy, economic productivity, and digital governance. Effective leadership ensures ethical implementation and inclusive growth
The Traffic Joke That Broke the Ice
"India has one of deepest pools of AI talent": Ex UK PM Rishi Sunak
Image credit : ANI
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, Rishi Sunak opened his session with humility and humour. Apologising for arriving late, he remarked that Artificial Intelligence can achieve remarkable breakthroughs, but it still cannot fix Delhi’s traffic. The audience responded with laughter, instantly creating connection and credibility. His comment reflected leadership authenticity and cultural awareness. As a former Prime Minister speaking at a global technology forum, Sunak combined expertise with relatability. The moment quickly gained traction online, driving engagement and reinforcing India’s growing importance in global AI discussions.
No Better Place Than India
India’s Optimism vs Western Anxiety
India shows robust optimism and trust for AI unlike West: Rishi Sunak
Image credit : IANS
At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Rishi Sunak highlighted a powerful global contrast in how Artificial Intelligence is perceived. In India, he noted widespread optimism, public trust, and strong support for digital innovation. In many Western countries, however, AI discussions are often shaped by caution and regulatory anxiety. Sunak explained that the debate has moved beyond what AI can do to how nations strategically deploy it for growth. This shift underscores AI’s role in national development, economic planning, and governance. His remarks offered credible insight into why India is emerging as a confident leader in responsible AI adoption.
AI as a Central Political Responsibility
Why India Is Well Positioned to Lead
Indian Tech Professionals at AI Event
The viral moment reminds us that even in complex global discussions, a touch of humour can connect leaders with people. And while AI may not fix Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Delhi traffic yet, it is clearly driving conversations about the future of nations.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rishi Sunak said Artificial Intelligence must become a central responsibility for political leaders. He stressed that AI policy affects national security, healthcare, education, and economic growth, and should not remain a niche technical subject.
2. Why did Sunak mention Delhi traffic during the summit?
He made a light hearted comment apologising for arriving late, joking that AI can do many things but cannot yet fix Delhi’s traffic. The remark connected with the audience and quickly gained attention online.
3. Where was the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held?
The summit took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts.
4. What is Sunak’s view on India’s role in AI?
Sunak said India is well positioned to lead in AI due to its strong digital infrastructure, deep talent pool, and large scale technology adoption.
5. How does AI influence national development?
AI impacts public services, defense strategy, economic productivity, and digital governance. Effective leadership ensures ethical implementation and inclusive growth