India, Feb. 15 -- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is doubling down on India, labelling the world's most populous nation a potential "full-stack AI leader" as the San Francisco-based startup prepares to expand its physical presence and government ties in the region.

Writing for The Times of India ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, Altman stated that India has surged to become OpenAI's second-largest user base globally, trailing only the United States. The pivot toward New Delhi signals a strategic shift for the Microsoft-backed AI pioneer, which is increasingly looking toward the Global South to sustain its breakneck growth.

Altman outlined a vision for "Democratic AI", arguing that India possesses the rare co...