The British High Commission organised a major artificial intelligence reception in Delhi on 19 February, positioning the United Kingdom as a global AI leader while underscoring its expanding technology partnership with India.
Titled ‘Shaping Tomorrow’, the event convened leading AI experts, frontier AI companies, and government representatives to celebrate UK innovation and the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation following India’s AI Impact Summit 2026.
The reception featured innovators from both countries presenting their solutions at the AI Talks Stage, alongside performances by artists leveraging artificial intelligence to tell new stories. Interactive AI installations were also showcased. Guests attended a special conversation on the geopolitical governance of AI between UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and former prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Addressing attendees from the main stage, AI Minister Kanishka Narayan reflected on his engagements in Bengaluru and Delhi before formally launching OpenUK’s documentary focused on artificial intelligence, openness, and UK AI talent. The programme also included a kiosk outlining the business benefits of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
The Deputy Prime Minister and AI Minister are leading a delegation of UK AI and technology firms and universities to India for the AI Impact Summit this week. The delegation includes NScale, Faculty AI, Singular Intelligence, and Holistic AI.
The United Kingdom is currently the world’s third-largest AI power, with a market valued at more than £72 billion. It ranks fourth globally for AI unicorns and start-ups and is home to over 5,800 AI companies.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: “There is huge opportunity in the UK and India technology and innovation partnership, which is why it is a central pillar of our shared Vision 2035. I’m a tech optimist at heart but firmly believe that it is only through international cooperation and the power of joint action that we can harness the power of AI to build a more secure, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
We initiated this global conversation at Bletchley and are committed to ensuring the responsible development of AI, which can bring so much positive change to hardworking communities from Birmingham to Bengaluru and beyond. Exciting new British and Indian innovations are already changing the world in AI, tech and science with the support of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative. I’m delighted that our partnership is driving innovation and shaping the technologies of tomorrow.”
Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC India, said: “AI offers India a unique opportunity to take the lead in creating a more inclusive and innovative financial ecosystem. As we adopt AI, our vision is to leverage technology not only for efficiency, but also to promote inclusive growth and meaningful innovation throughout society. By embedding fairness, transparency, and accountability – and enhancing human judgment with data-driven insights – AI can close information gaps, expand opportunities for underserved communities, and tailor solutions to a wide range of needs.”
The ‘Shaping Tomorrow’ reception, attended by more than a thousand guests, was held alongside the UK Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam. The event was supported by HSBC India, Baker McKenzie, Queen Elizabeth’s School Gurugram (part of the GEDU Global Education Group), Acclime, Diageo India, and Suntory Global Spirits.
