The great AI divide: While the West wrestles with tech winter of scepticism, the Global South seems to be experiencing a digital spring

As the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi concludes, a clear divide has emerged in how regions view artificial intelligence. While many Western countries show caution, much of the Global South, including India and China, remains strongly optimistic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the summit, “while some see fear in AI, India sees its future in it”, reflecting the country’s forward-looking stance on the technology.