Previewing India's AI Impact Summit with MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan

Since 2023, a series of global AI summits has brought together world leaders to advance international dialogue and cooperation on artificial intelligence. Building on this momentum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the India AI Impact Summit, which will take place in New Delhi in February 2026. As the first summit in the series to be hosted in a Global South country, the AI Impact Summit aims to amplify Global South perspectives and advance concrete action to address both the opportunities and risks of AI. On December 8, 2025, the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center hosted S. Krishnan, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), for a livestreamed fireside chat with Wadhwani AI Center Senior Adviser Gregory C. Allen. Secretary Krishnan, who leads India’s national AI strategy, will outline India’s policy priorities and share insights into the goals and global aspirations shaping the upcoming AI Impact Summit. He will also offer a comprehensive look at the central role MeitY plays in driving innovation across India’s AI ecosystem. Secretary Krishnan brings more than 35 years of experience in public service, having joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1989. Prior to his current role, he served as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department in the Government of Tamil Nadu. He has also served as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Executive Director for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan at the International Monetary Fund, and has represented India in the G20 Expert Groups on International Financial Architecture and Global Financial Safety Nets. Secretary Krishnan holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi.