Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (February 16, 2025) inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring India’s rising stature in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem as world leaders, policymakers and tech giants converged at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre.
The five-day summit, running from February 16 to 20, 2026, marks the first major international AI gathering hosted in the Global South, signalling India’s intent to shape the future of artificial intelligence with a focus on inclusive growth, responsible use and equitable access.
Prime Minister Modi formally inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo, a central feature of the broader summit that brings together innovation, policy frameworks and practical AI solutions under one roof. The Expo spans more than 70,000 square metres and features over 300 curated exhibition pavilions, showcasing state-of-the-art AI technologies from startups, research institutions, global tech firms and government agencies.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said it was a “matter of great pride” that delegates from across the globe had chosen India as the host for this transformative event, highlighting the country’s “rapid progress in science and technology” and its potential to contribute meaningfully to worldwide development.
The summit’s agenda is organised around three foundational pillars: People, Planet and Progress, reflecting a vision that AI should benefit humanity, address environmental challenges and drive inclusive socio-economic advancement.
Global attendance at the event is unprecedented. Official figures indicate participation by more than 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and over 500 global AI leaders, in addition to policy makers, innovators and experts from academia and industry.
In addition to government leaders, chief executives and senior representatives from leading technology companies such as Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, Qualcomm, and Microsoft were in attendance, reflecting the deep corporate interest in AI’s evolving role. Executives,s including Google’s Sundar Pichai and OpenAI’s Sam Altman, were among those expected to participate in discussions on ethical AI deployment and investment in emerging markets.
While binding commitments are not expected, the summit aims to produce a non-binding New Delhi Declaration on collaborative AI governance that balances rapid innovation with safeguards against misuse. India has emphasised a pragmatic approach that bridges regulatory frameworks with real-world implementation, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and governance.
The India AI Impact Summit also provides a platform for flagship global challenges such as “AI for ALL,” “AI by HER” and “YUVAi,” designed to spotlight solutions that have practical development outcomes and scalable impact. These challenges have attracted thousands of global submissions, with innovators from more than 60 countries vying for recognition.
Complementing the summit’s discussions, the India AI Impact Expo offers visitors immersive experiences and demonstrations, including 13 international country pavilions that highlight collaboration between nations in the AI ecosystem.
Organisers say the event is not just a forum for debate but a showcase of how AI can be responsibly leveraged to address real-world problems, expand opportunities, and foster global cooperation in the coming decade.