Tech Explained: India has all ingredients to be ‘full-stack AI leader’: Sam Altman in Simple Terms

New Delhi: Sam Altman, Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, has said India possesses all the key ingredients to emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence, describing the country as a potential “full-stack AI leader” and announcing plans to expand the company’s presence and partnerships here.

His remarks come ahead of the Global AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to begin on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

In a media article, Altman said India has become OpenAI’s second-largest user base globally after the United States. He revealed that the country now accounts for 100 million weekly active users of ChatGPT and has the largest number of student users worldwide.

India also ranks fourth globally in the adoption of Prism, OpenAI’s free tool designed for scientific research and LaTeX-based collaboration.

Altman said OpenAI is committed to building AI “in India, with India, and for India”, emphasising that the company has made its tools available free of cost to ensure accessibility regardless of income levels, educational background or technological familiarity.

Last year, OpenAI established its first office in Delhi and plans to further expand its footprint in the country this year.

He added that more than 200 nonprofit leaders across four Indian cities were recently trained to use ChatGPT to enhance their impact and operational efficiency.

The OpenAI chief is scheduled to visit India next week and indicated that new partnerships with the Government may be announced to broaden access to AI and its benefits.

Outlining a three-pronged strategy to take AI to the grassroots, Altman said progress depends on “Access” — ensuring tools are available to all; “Adoption” — integrating AI into schools, clinics and small businesses; and “Agency” — empowering individuals with the skills and confidence to use AI effectively for decision-making and innovation.

With IANS inputs