India has ‘absolutely central role’ in shaping AI future, says Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said India will play an “absolutely central role” in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, highlighting the country’s growing influence in global AI development and governance. Speaking at the AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Amodei emphasised that India’s scale, talent base, and digital infrastructure position it as a key force in determining both the opportunities and risks associated with advanced AI systems.

He noted that India, as the world’s largest democracy, is uniquely placed to help shape global conversations around AI safety, economic transformation, and societal impact. According to Amodei, India’s leadership will be essential in ensuring that AI development remains inclusive, responsible, and beneficial for humanity.

Amodei described the rapid progress in artificial intelligence as exponential, comparing it to a “Moore’s Law for intelligence.” He said AI systems are advancing at an unprecedented pace and are increasingly capable of performing complex cognitive tasks. “We’re increasingly close to what I’ve called a country of geniuses in a data centre — a set of AI agents more capable than most humans at most things,” he said.

He added that while AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, accelerate scientific discovery, and reduce poverty, it also presents serious challenges. These include risks such as misuse of AI systems, autonomous decision-making without human oversight, and economic disruption caused by automation. Amodei stressed the importance of proactive governance and international cooperation to ensure AI is developed safely.

Anthropic expands India presence with Bengaluru office

Signalling its long-term commitment to India, Anthropic announced the opening of a new office in Bengaluru, strengthening its footprint in one of the world’s leading technology hubs. The company also appointed Irina Ghose as Managing Director for Anthropic India to lead its regional operations and partnerships.

Anthropic is working with major Indian enterprises, including Infosys, to accelerate enterprise AI adoption. These partnerships aim to develop India-specific AI applications, enhance digital infrastructure, and enable large-scale transformation across industries such as banking, healthcare, and public services.

In addition, the company is collaborating with non-profit organisations including EkStep Foundation, Central Square Foundation, and Pratham to deploy AI-powered solutions in education, agriculture, and healthcare. These initiatives aim to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes in critical sectors affecting millions of people.

Focus on regional languages and inclusive AI

Anthropic is also focusing on improving AI capabilities in India’s diverse linguistic environment. The company is evaluating its Claude AI model across multiple Indian regional languages and use cases, including agriculture advisory, legal assistance, and education support.

Amodei highlighted that India has already pioneered several digital innovations and continues to serve as a model for other developing economies. He said India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure and its large pool of skilled engineers make it a key contributor to the global AI ecosystem.

With increasing investments, strategic partnerships, and expanding research presence, India is emerging as a critical hub for AI innovation, development, and deployment, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence worldwide.