UN Chief Guterres Holds Talks with President Murmu in New Delhi
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi during his official visit to India for the Global AI Impact Summit 2026. The high-level discussions spanned critical global issues, including artificial intelligence governance, multilateral reform, and the enhanced role of the Global South in international decision-making processes.
Focus on AI Governance and Global Cooperation
Guterres arrived in the national capital to participate in the Global AI Impact Summit 2026, where he delivered a keynote address calling for the responsible harnessing of artificial intelligence for the global good while actively mitigating its associated risks. In his speech, he emphasized the urgent need for science-led governance and stronger international cooperation to keep pace with rapid AI innovation.
"We are barrelling into the unknown. AI innovation is moving at the speed of light, outpacing our collective ability to fully understand it. If we want AI to serve humanity, policy cannot be built on guesswork. It cannot be built on hype or disinformation. We need facts we can trust and share across countries and across sectors. Less noise, more knowledge," Guterres stated at the summit.
He underscored that science-based governance could act as a powerful accelerator for solutions, making technological progress safer, fairer, and more inclusive. Guterres urged nations to prepare, protect, and invest in their people, highlighting that international cooperation is currently strained by declining trust and rising technological rivalry.
President Murmu Advocates for UN Reform and Global South Inclusion
During the meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu welcomed Guterres' proposal to establish a global scientific panel on artificial intelligence aimed at serving all of humanity. She reaffirmed India's steadfast commitment to multilateralism, especially at a time when global uncertainties are placing the international system under significant strain.
The President observed that multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, must undergo urgent reform to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. She stressed that the existing framework of the Security Council is outdated and that the Global South must be given a greater voice in global decision-making. Reform, she asserted, is key to preserving the relevance and effectiveness of the United Nations.
While acknowledging that the UN-80 initiative offers a useful platform for reform, President Murmu emphasized that any restructuring exercise must safeguard the developmental priorities of the Global South. She concluded the meeting by extending her good wishes to Guterres for the remainder of his tenure and reiterating India's full support for multilateralism and international cooperation.
Recognition of India's Clean Energy and Summit Leadership
Following the meeting, Guterres took to his official X account to share his appreciation for India's clean energy initiatives. "India is proving it’s possible to expand clean energy access and grow industry at the same time," he wrote. "Together, let's turn climate necessity into development opportunity & make the clean energy transition fair & faster for people & planet."
President Murmu also shared details of her interaction with the UN Secretary-General from her official X account. She wrote, "Secretary General of the United Nations Mr António Guterres called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President thanked Secretary General Guterres for his participation in the AI Impact Summit and welcomed his initiative to create a global scientific panel on AI to serve all of humanity."
During his visit, Guterres highlighted India's initiatives to expand clean energy access and appreciated the country's leadership in convening the AI Impact Summit, as well as its longstanding collaboration with the United Nations across various sectors.
Key Takeaways from the Summit and Bilateral Engagement
- AI Governance: Emphasis on science-led policies and international cooperation to manage AI risks and benefits.
- UN Reform: Urgent calls for updating multilateral institutions, especially the Security Council, to include Global South perspectives.
- Clean Energy: Recognition of India's efforts in balancing industrial growth with renewable energy expansion.
- Global South Empowerment: Advocacy for greater representation and developmental priority protection in global forums.
This engagement underscores the critical role of dialogue between global leaders in addressing pressing technological and geopolitical challenges, with India positioning itself as a key advocate for equitable and sustainable global progress.
