‘Full-Stack AI Leader’? Sam Altman Says India Poised to Dominate Global AI Race
Sam Altman says India can lead globally in AI with 100M ChatGPT users.
In a strong endorsement of India’s technological trajectory, Sam Altman has said the country has the potential to emerge as a “full-stack AI leader.” His remarks come ahead of the Global AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to begin on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam. Altman’s comments signal deepening engagement between global AI innovators and India’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
Altman revealed that India has become OpenAI’s second-largest user base globally, after the United States. The country now accounts for approximately 100 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, with India also leading in student adoption worldwide. He noted that such rapid uptake reflects both the scale of India’s digital infrastructure and the appetite for AI-driven tools.
India also ranks fourth globally in the adoption of Prism, OpenAI’s free research and LaTeX-based scientific collaboration tool. According to Altman, this demonstrates the growing integration of AI into academic and research workflows. He reiterated the company’s commitment to building AI “in India, with India, and for India,” emphasizing accessibility regardless of income, educational background, or technological familiarity.
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Expanding its footprint, OpenAI opened its first office in Delhi last year and plans further growth in 2026. Altman shared that over 200 nonprofit leaders across four Indian cities were recently trained to leverage ChatGPT for improved outreach and operational efficiency. He is expected to visit India during the summit, where new collaborations with the government may be announced to widen AI access.
Outlining a three-pronged strategy, Altman stressed that AI progress hinges on “Access,” ensuring tools are universally available; “Adoption,” integrating AI into schools, healthcare systems, and small businesses; and “Agency,” empowering individuals with the skills and confidence to use AI responsibly. As India positions itself at the intersection of innovation and scale, Altman’s remarks underscore its potential to shape the next phase of global artificial intelligence development.
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