Artificial intelligence may dominate headlines in Silicon Valley and Beijing, but a British minister believes the real opportunity could lie elsewhere. During a visit to India this week, UK Minister for AI and Online Safety, Kanishka Narayan, said that while the biggest AI laboratories are based in the US and China, India and the United Kingdom could become the world’s leading destinations for AI adoption.As reported by PTI, a Labour MP of Indian heritage representing a Welsh constituency is in India for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. His message centres on opportunity, but also responsibility. Artificial intelligence, he argues, presents exceptional economic potential. The challenge is ensuring that this potential is harnessed in ways that benefit society more broadly.
AI adoption in India and the UK could outpace the US and China
Narayan made it clear that the UK and India may not rival the US or China in hosting the largest frontier AI labs. Instead, he believes the two countries can excel in adopting AI across key sectors such as services, healthcare, and life sciences.India’s vast population and rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem provide, in his view, a powerful test bed for AI-driven innovation. Britain, meanwhile, brings strengths anchored by institutions such as the National Health Service and a globally respected life sciences sector. He also pointed to the importance of shaping the next phase of research and development in areas such as frontier AI and semiconductors.
How AI cooperation could redefine the UK-India alliance
Narayan also tied AI collaboration to the wider UK-India relationship, pointing to the recently signed free trade deal. He said the agreement shows that Britain is serious about working with fast-growing economies and building partnerships based on shared interests. He described a ‘living bridge’ between the two countries, pointing to strong people-to-people connections that go beyond formal deals. While trade agreements and political leaders may change over time, these personal ties give lasting strength to the relationship.
