Varanasi: As the AI Impact Summit 2026, being held in New Delhi, advances global dialogue on artificial intelligence and its role in development and human growth, Banaras Hindu University joined the initiative by hosting a discussion focused on AI-driven innovation and academic exchange.A delegation from Iceland visited BHU on Wednesday and interacted with directors and deans of various institutes and faculties. The visit formed part of the India–Iceland Education Partnership Dialogue, with discussions centred on artificial intelligence and potential areas of academic and research collaboration between the two countries. The deliberations underscored the scope for India and Iceland to jointly emerge as leaders in artificial intelligence, symbolically bringing together the Global North and the Global South, as well as Eastern and Western perspectives. Addressing the gathering, Sigurgeirsson highlighted potential areas of collaboration between Icelandic higher education institutions and BHU, noting the university’s wide range of disciplines and strong foundation for multidisciplinary research.Referring to the ongoing AI Impact Summit, he said both India and Iceland face similar challenges in AI development, particularly the lack of ownership over AI infrastructure, and stressed that AI must evolve within a fair and democratic framework.The discussions also addressed concerns over the misuse of AI , including the generation of fake images, online scams, copyright violations and academic malpractice. At the same time, participants emphasised opportunities AI offers across multiple sectors.Directors and deans from various BHU institutes presented overviews of their academic programmes and research work, while exploring possibilities for joint research, faculty exchange and student mobility. They also sought insights into Iceland’s academic environment, international student presence and openness to foreign scholars.
