Pichai Shares Father’s Wish For Driverless Cars In India, Says ‘Still Working On That’

Google CEO Sundar Pichai struck a personal note during his address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, recalling his father’s long-standing wish to see driverless cars operating in India. Pichai humorously remarked, “Still working on that, Dad,” acknowledging the complexities of deploying autonomous vehicles in India’s unique traffic and regulatory environment.  

Speaking alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pichai emphasized India’s remarkable pace of change and its growing role in the global AI ecosystem. He noted that while India is making strides in AI infrastructure and innovation, challenges such as road conditions, traffic density, and policy frameworks continue to slow the rollout of driverless technology.  

Key highlights from the address include 

• Sundar Pichai recalls his father’s wish for driverless cars in India  
• Quips “Still working on that, Dad” during AI Impact Summit in New Delhi  
• Praised India’s rapid progress in AI and digital infrastructure  
• Acknowledged challenges of deploying autonomous vehicles in India’s traffic environment  
• Spoke alongside PM Modi, reinforcing India’s global AI leadership ambitions  

Industry experts note that Pichai’s remarks reflect both optimism and realism. While India is investing heavily in AI infrastructure and digital transformation, autonomous vehicles remain a long-term goal requiring significant advances in technology, regulation, and public acceptance. His comments underline the balance between ambition and practical hurdles in India’s AI journey.  

Sources: India AI Impact Summit 2026 coverage, The Federal, MSN