At the CII Annual Summit 2026, Gautam Adani said the next phase of global competition will be driven not by traditional industries but by control over energy systems, computing power, and data infrastructure. He described artificial intelligence as a defining force that will reshape geopolitics and economic strength.
He argued that energy and digital infrastructure are now inseparable, saying reliable power supply is essential for large-scale AI systems and data centres. According to him, countries that secure both clean energy and computing capacity will have a strategic advantage in the future.
Adani highlighted the idea of “compute sovereignty,” where nations develop and host their own AI systems and data infrastructure instead of relying on external providers. He warned that dependence on foreign systems in critical sectors like defence, healthcare, and finance could pose long-term risks.
He also stressed that the growth of AI will require massive expansion in electricity generation, especially from renewable sources. This, he said, makes energy transition not just an environmental goal but a strategic necessity.
The address reflected a broader push in India toward building domestic AI and data ecosystems, with large investments in hyperscale data centres powered by renewable energy.