At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held from 16–21 February at Bharat Mandapam, eight-year-old coder Ranvir Sachdeva made history as the youngest keynote speaker at a major global technology summit. In front of hundreds of world leaders, CEOs and policymakers, Ranvir talked about linking ancient Indian philosophies with modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how India is building and deploying AI solutions.
He shared a use case of an Indian AI model he is contributing to while underscoring his mission of promoting AI literacy. His talk and subsequent interactions with global technology leaders such as Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman grabbed national and global headlines, even as the summit witnessed major investment commitments, cross-border cooperation on Responsible AI and a few organisational challenges.
A Young Voice on a Global Stage
Ranvir’s keynote address quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the summit, which aimed to bring together global stakeholders to discuss the impact, ethics and implementation of AI on a global scale. Introducing himself as a “technologist”, Ranvir spoke with composure about how he is working on bridging the philosophical richness of India’s heritage with the potentials and challenges of modern AI.
“I’m here as the youngest keynote speaker at the India AI Impact Summit,” he told ANI, according to multiple reports. He elaborated on his work with a newly released Indian AI model, underscoring how it can contribute to economic growth and literacy.
The summit hall was framed by global leaders, including the CEOs of major AI firms and policymakers from around the world a backdrop that underscored the magnitude of his achievement. Ranvir also shared his experiences meeting global tech figures such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and OpenAI’s Sam Altman during the summit sessions, demonstrating how early engagement in technology can shape aspirational learning for younger generations.
The summit organisers, meanwhile, highlighted Ranvir’s address as a unique example of India’s inclusive approach to technology dialogues one where voices of youth and diverse stakeholders are not just welcomed but amplified.
Beyond the Stage: Summit Highlights and Broader Developments
While Ranvir drew media attention, the summit as a whole was significant for several global developments. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India had secured over $250 billion in infrastructure investment commitments for AI initiatives during the five-day event, emphasising confidence from both domestic and international investors. He also revealed that the summit drew participation from hundreds of delegations and world leaders, reinforcing India’s position as a serious partner in shaping global AI governance and innovation.
Alongside investment pledges, delegates agreed on a joint AI Impact Summit declaration outlining responsible, equitable and inclusive principles for the development and deployment of AI technologies expected to be signed by more than 80 countries, making it a landmark international consensus on AI ethics.
The summit also witnessed contributions from regional leaders. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced new AI tools and collaborative agreements aimed at applying AI in public services ranging from education to agriculture, driving home the message that innovation should be anchored in public benefit as well as economic growth.
However, not all responses to the summit were positive. A small but disruptive protest by a youth political group led to detentions inside the venue, and numerous attendees online voiced criticism about organisational hiccups from overcrowding and long queues to inconsistent session management spotlighting challenges in handling large-scale public tech events.
Roots, Recognition and Rising Influence
Ranvir’s journey to the summit stage has been extraordinary. He began coding at age three, and over the years has met global figures including Tim Cook and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, attended international tech forums and earned accolades such as becoming the world’s youngest TEDx speaker and winning a gold medal in the Global Reading Challenge. His personal development continues alongside academic pursuits, including machine-learning coursework with global institutions and certifications in responsible AI.
Beyond coding, Ranvir is also an author; his book Are You Born With AI? explores responsible AI and urges young people to see themselves as future leaders in technology. His work has been acknowledged by organisations such as WWF, IIT Delhi and science bodies abroad reflecting a blend of technological passion and commitment to mindful innovation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Ranvir Sachdeva’s address at the India AI Impact Summit represents more than a feel-good headline it embodies a vision where curiosity, philosophical grounding and technical fluency intersect. It reminds us that meaningful conversations about the future of technology should include voices that challenge age-old assumptions about expertise. In a world rapidly shaped by AI, encouraging diverse perspectives including those of youth enriches public discourse and helps steer innovation towards inclusive, equitable outcomes.
