SEATTLE, Wash. (Diya TV) — The Consulate General of India in Seattle, in partnership with Seattle University, hosted a briefing session on the upcoming major AI India Impact Summit 2026 being held in New Delhi next month. The event brought together students, faculty members, policy thinkers, and industry leaders to discuss India’s growing role in the global artificial intelligence landscape.
The session focused on the theme “People, Planet, and Progress.” Speakers highlighted how India is using artificial intelligence to drive social good, support sustainable development, and promote inclusive economic growth. A large number of Seattle University students and senior faculty attended the briefing, which offered a detailed look at India’s expanding AI ecosystem and its rapid evolution.
The briefing provided an overview of India’s national AI strategy and its emphasis on real-world impact. Speakers explained how AI initiatives in India aim to improve public services, expand financial inclusion, and address climate and development challenges. The discussion stressed responsible innovation and ethical use of emerging technologies.
Participants learned how India is positioning itself as a major hub for AI research, startups, and global partnerships. The session also highlighted government reforms that support innovation, including improvements in ease of doing business and digital infrastructure.
The keynote address came from Matt Oppenheimer, CEO of Remitly, a leading global remittance company. Oppenheimer spoke about Remitly’s experience investing in India’s AI-driven future. He described how the company’s Bengaluru office has benefited from India’s business-friendly reforms and skilled talent pool.
Oppenheimer emphasized that India plays a key role in Remitly’s global technology strategy. He noted that AI helps the company improve customer experience, strengthen security, and scale services for millions of users worldwide. His remarks highlighted why global tech firms continue to deepen their presence in India.
Dr. Onur Bakiner, professor of political science and director of the Technology Ethics Initiative at Seattle University, addressed students and scholars during the session. He spoke about the challenges and opportunities that come with rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
Bakiner urged young professionals to think critically about ethics, governance, and social impact. He stressed the need for policies that balance innovation with accountability. His talk encouraged students to engage with AI not only as a technology but also as a force that shapes society and democracy.
The Consul General of India in Seattle Prakash Gupta delivered the inaugural address. He outlined preparations for the AI India Impact Summit 2026 and shared details about the high-level delegation expected from the Greater Seattle area. The remarks underscored the summit’s goal of strengthening ties between India and global technology hubs.
The Consul General described the summit as a platform for dialogue among governments, industry leaders, academics, and startups. He emphasized collaboration on AI solutions that benefit people and protect the planet while driving economic progress.
The Seattle University briefing marked the second event in a series of outreach programs in the Greater Seattle area ahead of the summit. The Consulate previously hosted a pre-event briefing in November for U.S. lawmakers and tech executives.
That earlier session included U.S. Reps. Adam Smith and Michael Baumgartner featured discussions with senior representatives from Microsoft, Salesforce, and Anicca Data Science Solutions.
