New Delhi: Alphabet and Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai on Thursday described artificial intelligence (AI) as the most significant technological shift of the current era, stating that no innovation has inspired him to think bigger than AI.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ‘India AI Impact Summit’ in New Delhi, Pichai told global leaders that AI represents “the biggest platform shift of our lifetimes.” He said the world stands at the threshold of accelerated progress and new discoveries that could enable emerging economies to bridge longstanding developmental gaps.
Pichai emphasised that while AI holds immense promise, its positive impact cannot be taken for granted. He urged governments and industry stakeholders to work together with both ambition and responsibility to ensure the technology delivers broad-based benefits.
He highlighted scientific advancements driven by AI, pointing to AlphaFold, a protein-folding breakthrough developed by Google DeepMind. According to Pichai, the tool has been used by more than three million researchers in over 190 countries and has supported efforts such as malaria vaccine development. He noted that AlphaFold has condensed decades of research into a publicly accessible database.
Pichai also said Google is cataloguing DNA disease markers and developing AI agents designed to function as partners in the scientific process, further expanding the role of AI in research and discovery.
Referring to Google’s growing footprint in India, Pichai announced that the company is establishing a full-stack AI hub in Visakhapatnam as part of a $15 billion infrastructure investment. Once completed, the facility will include gigawatt-scale computing capacity and a new international subsea cable gateway. He said the hub is expected to generate employment opportunities and extend advanced AI capabilities to businesses and communities across India.
In addition to the AI hub, Pichai mentioned the company’s work on subsea optical cable systems. He said Google is building four new systems connecting the United States and India to strengthen digital infrastructure.
During his address, Pichai also spoke about the impact of AI on employment. He stated that AI will reshape the workforce by automating certain roles, transforming others, and creating entirely new career paths. To help individuals adapt to these changes, he said Google has trained 100 million people in digital skills.
“It is wonderful to be back in India,” Pichai said, adding that each visit underscores the country’s rapid pace of change.
The summit drew participation from global leaders and industry experts. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the venue to welcome international delegates. The event brought together more than 500 AI leaders from around the world, including 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 chief technology officers, vice presidents, and philanthropists.
Government representation at the summit included over 20 heads of state and government, along with approximately 60 ministers and vice ministers. The gathering aimed to facilitate dialogue on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and its role in shaping the future of economies and societies.
