In a watershed moment for global technology governance, 88 nations—including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union—have officially adopted the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. Signed on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the conclusion of the AI Impact Summit in India, this historic agreement establishes the first comprehensive international framework dedicated to the development of "safe, trustworthy, and robust" artificial intelligence. By bridging the geopolitical divide, the declaration sets a new precedent for international cooperation in an era of rapid technological disruption.
A Global Consensus: The 'Seven Chakras' of AI Governance
The New Delhi Declaration is anchored by seven core pillars, described by summit organizers as the "Seven Chakras" of responsible AI. These pillars seek to harmonize the competing interests of innovation, safety, and equity. The framework emphasizes that the benefits of artificial intelligence must not be hoarded by a few tech giants or wealthy nations but shared inclusively across the Global South and North.
Key among these pillars is the Democratization of AI Resources, which aims to prevent a widening digital divide by ensuring affordable access to computing power and foundational datasets. Other pillars focus on Secure and Trusted AI, AI for Science, and Human Capital Development. Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the agreement as a victory for the "human-centric" approach, stating that the declaration reflects a "broad-based global consensus on leveraging AI for economic growth and social good."
Bridging the Digital Divide with 'Sarvajan Hitaya'
Underpinning the technical standards is the guiding philosophy of "Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya"—a Sanskrit principle meaning "Welfare for all, Happiness for all." This ethical bedrock distinguishes the New Delhi Declaration from previous agreements by explicitly prioritizing social empowerment. The signatories have committed to launching a Global AI Impact Commons, a shared repository of open-source tools and use cases designed to accelerate AI adoption in healthcare, agriculture, and education for developing nations.
US and China: A Rare Moment of Alignment
One of the most significant aspects of the summit was the rare diplomatic alignment between the United States and China. Despite ongoing technological rivalries and trade tensions, both superpowers endorsed the declaration, signaling a shared recognition that the existential risks and economic opportunities of AI require coordinated global guardrails.
While the agreement is non-binding, it represents a significant thaw in US-China AI cooperation. The American delegation, while continuing to push for domestic leadership through its "American AI initiative," acknowledged the necessity of international interoperability. Similarly, Chinese representatives emphasized the importance of "cross-border collaboration" to ensure AI safety standards are respected globally. This cooperation is seen as crucial for the success of the newly proposed Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI, which seeks to standardize safety protocols across borders.
Concrete Steps: The Global AI Impact Commons
Moving beyond high-level principles, the summit delivered tangible outcomes. The establishment of the Global AI Impact Commons will serve as a practical platform for nations to share "digital public goods." This initiative addresses the critical shortage of high-quality data and computing infrastructure in the Global South. By pooling resources, member nations aim to reduce the barriers to entry for local innovators, ensuring that the next generation of AI solutions is culturally diverse and contextually relevant.
Furthermore, the declaration outlines a roadmap for Resilient and Efficient AI Systems, calling for a reduction in the environmental footprint of large language model training—a growing concern as AI data centers consume increasing amounts of global energy. The signatories agreed to voluntary reporting standards on energy efficiency, marking the first time environmental impact has been central to a major international AI treaty.
The Road Ahead: Enforcement and Ethics
As the delegates depart New Delhi, the focus shifts to implementation. The New Delhi Declaration acts as a moral compass and a strategic blueprint, but its success will depend on how individual nations integrate these standards into their domestic laws. With the European Union's AI Act already in force and new regulations pending in the US, this global framework provides the necessary "connective tissue" to prevent regulatory fragmentation.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 has proven that despite geopolitical fractures, the world can unite to steer the trajectory of its most powerful technology. As AI continues to reshape economies and societies, the New Delhi Declaration stands as a testament to the collective resolve to ensure that this transformation serves the many, not just the few.
