Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, declared that India had received an incredible 250,946 valid pledges over the course of the 24-hour period from February 16–17, earning the Guinness World Records title for the “Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours.” At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the announcement was made in front of S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY); Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, CEO, IndiaAI Mission and DG, NIC; Kavita Bhatia, COO, IndiaAI; Srinivasan Iyengar, SVP and GM, Central Engineering Group, Intel; and Pravin Patel, Guinness World Records Adjudicator, who attested to the accomplishment.
The IndiaAI Mission and Intel India launched the nationwide AI Responsibility Pledge campaign on February 16 with the goal of inspiring people nationwide to pledge to use AI in an ethical, inclusive, and responsible manner. Through scenario-based questions, the project prompted participants to consider important concepts like data protection, accountability, transparency, and dispelling false information, supporting India’s goal of creating a reliable and human-centered AI ecosystem. After completing the pledge, participants gained access to AI learning pathways and a digital badge.
Speaking to the media, Vaishnaw praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to teach young people how to use AI responsibly and ethically. His idea is what motivated us to approach universities, interact with academics, and exhort students to make the commitment to utilize AI responsibly and as a tool for the greater good of society that enhances our quality of life. We would especially like to thank the 250,000 students who have made this commitment. The nation is genuinely proud today. This is the path that the country needs to take – toward a future where AI is used responsibly.
The Minister emphasized that the unprecedented level of participation, which greatly outstripped the original goal of 5,000 pledges, is indicative of robust public participation and rising awareness of the need for responsible AI implementation. According to him, the initiative marks a critical turning point in citizen-led digital responsibility and exemplifies India’s dedication to influencing the global AI conversation with an emphasis on ethics, inclusivity, and public trust.
