Indian-origin Labour politician Kanishka Narayan has been appointed the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new government. The promotion expands Narayan’s UK AI role and places him at the centre of Britain’s plans for artificial intelligence, online safety, technology investment and economic growth.
Kanishka Narayan UK AI role
The UK Prime Minister’s Office announced Narayan’s appointment on July 20, 2026, as part of a wider ministerial reshuffle. He will serve jointly in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, according to the official government announcement.
Narayan previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety from September 7, 2025. His responsibilities included AI opportunities, the AI Security Institute, semiconductors, intellectual property, technology-led growth and online safety.
His promotion gives the AI portfolio greater political weight as the government develops policies covering innovation, digital infrastructure, safety standards and Britain’s ability to build and retain advanced technology companies.
Indian-origin Labour MP
Narayan has represented Vale of Glamorgan since July 4, 2024. His election made him the first ethnic minority MP to represent a Welsh constituency, and he gained a seat that had previously been held by the Conservative Party. UK Parliament records confirm that he has served continuously as the Labour MP for the constituency since the 2024 general election.
Born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Narayan moved to Cardiff with his family when he was 12. He attended Cathays High School before receiving financial support to study at Eton College. He later studied philosophy, politics and economics at Balliol College, Oxford, and completed an MBA at Stanford University.
Before entering Parliament, he worked in government and the private sector. His experience included roles in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, along with financial advisory work involving businesses and technology ventures.
UK AI policy and economic growth
Narayan takes charge of the AI sector as Britain seeks to compete with the United States, China and the European Union in research, investment and commercial development. The government has supported sovereign AI capabilities, domestic start-ups and new infrastructure intended to help British companies grow without moving their operations abroad.
In government speeches, Narayan has argued that Britain must support the people and companies building emerging AI systems, rather than focusing only on what the technology can achieve. He has also promoted investment in open-source AI, robotics, data centres and routes for technology businesses to scale.
AI safety and digital sovereignty
The expanded role will require Narayan to balance economic ambition with concerns about online harm, intellectual property, energy demand and responsible AI development. Data centres require substantial electricity and stronger grid connections, while companies need predictable rules before committing long-term investment.
Narayan is also expected to oversee work connected with the AI Security Institute and online safety policy. His decisions could shape how Britain regulates powerful AI models while attempting to remain attractive to researchers, founders and international investors.
Relevant internal links could include the Technology News category, UK News page, Artificial Intelligence articles, Indian-origin leaders coverage and previous reports about Britain’s AI investment strategy.
