New Delhi, India. Cyprus joined international discussions on artificial intelligence governance and development as Deputy Research Minister Nicodemos Damianou attended the India AI Impact Summit 2026, representing President Nikos Christodoulides. Damianou travelled to New Delhi following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Cyprus delegation at summit
Damianou attended the summit accompanied by Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides and Cyprus’ High Commissioner to India Evagoras Vryonides.
The summit, held on February 16–20, gathered more than 20 heads of state and government, representatives from a further 60 countries, and senior executives from the global technology ecosystem.
Focus on sustainable development and regulation
Under the theme “People, Planet & Progress”, discussions focused on the use of artificial intelligence for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Damianou participated in a ministerial session titled “Safe & Trusted AI”, which examined regulatory convergence, international cooperation and the exchange of best practices for the responsible and human-centred deployment of AI systems.
Meetings on cooperation and innovation
On the sidelines, Damianou held meetings with government officials and international organisations. In talks with the Minister of Technology and Biotechnology of the Indian state of Karnataka, both sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in technology, startups and innovation.
The prospect of Cyprus joining the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA), a network facilitating access of startups and research institutions to international innovation ecosystems and markets, was also discussed.
Part of wider international coordination
According to the announcement, the summit follows the global AI meeting held in Paris in February 2025 and forms part of wider efforts to coordinate international approaches to AI development and its economic and societal impact.
The deputy minister is scheduled to return to Cyprus on February 20.
What do you want to see prioritised in international efforts to regulate and develop artificial intelligence?