UK Showcases Its AI Leadership and Strengthens Technology Partnership with India at Grand Reception in Delhi

The UK made a major splash in Delhi on 19 February with its event “Shaping Tomorrow,” a grand showcase of British AI innovation and global leadership.

Hosted by the British High Commission, the reception brought together top AI experts, government representatives, and frontier companies to celebrate the growing technology partnership between the UK and India.

A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

The event was more than just speeches — it was a full celebration of AI’s potential.

Guests explored interactive AI installations, watched performances by artists using AI to tell new stories, and attended presentations by some of the brightest AI minds from both countries at the AI Talks Stage.

A highlight was a conversation on geopolitical governance of AI between UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

AI Minister Kanishka Narayan also addressed the gathering, sharing insights from his recent visits to Bengaluru and Delhi and launching OpenUK’s documentary on AI, which spotlighted UK talent and open AI development.

The event even included a fun kiosk explaining the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and how it benefits businesses leveraging AI technologies.

Leading Delegations and Key Players

The UK delegation attending the AI Impact Summit 2026 included major tech companies and universities, such as NScale, Faculty AI, Singular Intelligence, and Holistic AI.

Their presence highlighted the UK’s deep commitment to collaborating with India on AI innovation and research.

The UK is already a global AI powerhouse: it ranks third worldwide for AI capability, is valued at over £72 billion, is fourth in the world for AI unicorns and start-ups, and is home to more than 5,800 AI companies.

This event further cemented its position as a leader in AI research, talent, and innovation.

Voices from the Summit

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, emphasized the importance of international collaboration:

“There is huge opportunity in the UK and India technology and innovation partnership… only through joint action can we harness AI to build a more secure, sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

She also noted that initiatives like the UK-India Technology Security Initiative are already changing the way AI, tech, and science innovations reach global markets, from Birmingham to Bengaluru.

Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India, highlighted the social impact potential of AI:

“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.”

Partners Behind the Showcase

The grand reception and UK Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam welcomed over a thousand guests and was made possible with support from HSBC India, Baker McKenzie, Queen Elizabeth’s School Gurugram (part of GEDU Global Education Group), Acclime, Diageo India, and Suntory Global Spirits.

Building on Vision 2035 and UK AI Strategy

This showcase builds on broader UK-India cooperation under Vision 2035, unveiled last year by Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi, which outlines long-term technology and innovation partnerships.

The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, launched in 2025, and recent announcements like OpenAI and Microsoft funding the AI Security Institute’s Alignment Project, the UK Research and Innovation AI Strategy, and the AI for Development (AI4D) program in partnership with Canada show the country’s commitment to global AI leadership.

What’s Next?

Following the showcase, both UK and Indian companies are expected to expand collaborations, research partnerships, and innovation hubs.

Delegations will continue discussions on AI governance, ethical frameworks, and international standards.

We can also anticipate announcements of joint funding, accelerator programs, and cross-border AI start-up support initiatives in the coming months.

The event marks a clear signal: AI is not just a technological tool but a bridge between nations, driving economic growth, societal benefits, and global cooperation.

Summary

The UK showcased its AI leadership and strengthened ties with India at the “Shaping Tomorrow” reception in Delhi on 19 February 2026.

Hosted by the British High Commission, the event featured talks by top AI innovators, interactive installations, and performances demonstrating AI’s creative potential.

Key figures included UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and India’s AI Minister Kanishka Narayan.

The showcase highlighted the UK-India technology partnership, Vision 2035, the UK AI Opportunities Action Plan, and joint initiatives such as the AI Security Institute Alignment Project and AI for Development program.

Over a thousand guests explored the future of AI collaboration, governance, and ethical innovation.

The event signals deeper UK-India AI cooperation, with new projects, research partnerships, and cross-border initiatives expected to follow.