India steps into global AI spotlight as PM Modi unveils AI Impact Summit 2026

The high-profile event marks the first time the flagship AI summit is being hosted in a Global South country.

PM Modi engages startups, tech innovators

Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister toured several exhibition pavilions, interacting with startups, researchers and technology leaders showcasing AI-driven solutions across sectors.

The expo features more than 600 high-potential startups and 300 exhibitors, highlighting India’s expanding AI ecosystem and its growing integration with global innovation networks.

Officials said the summit and accompanying expo will run until February 20, with the exhibition opening to the general public from February 17.

Spread across 10 arenas covering over 7,000 square metres, the event is expected to draw large crowds, including international delegates, investors and policymakers.

Global participation at an unprecedented scale

The AI Impact Summit has attracted participants from around 100 countries, including leaders of about 20 nations.

Global technology figures such as Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman are among the prominent attendees, underscoring India’s rising stature in the global AI landscape.

Pavilions from 13 countries—including Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy—are on display, reflecting deepening international collaboration in artificial intelligence research, governance and deployment.

India’s AI ambition and global responsibility

In a message shared on X, PM Modi said India stands at the forefront of the AI transformation, combining ambition with responsibility.

He welcomed world leaders, industry captains, innovators, policymakers and researchers, describing the summit as a platform to bring the world together on the future of artificial intelligence.

From February 16 to 20, the summit will host over 3,250 speakers and more than 500 sessions, making it one of the largest AI-focused gatherings globally.

It is the fourth edition of the summit, following earlier editions in the United Kingdom, South Korea and France.

PM Modi explored multiple exhibition pavilions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Photo: Screen-grab from X

Themes shaping the AI Impact Summit

The summit is structured around guiding themes often referred to as “chakras,” focusing on people, planet and progress.

These ideas translate into broader areas of multilateral action such as human capital, inclusion, trust, resilience, science, resources and social good.

Organisers said the objective is to channel global AI collaboration toward tangible and measurable outcomes.

High-impact keynote addresses, policy-driven panel discussions and expert roundtables are scheduled over the next five days, alongside the launch of knowledge compendiums examining AI’s role in healthcare, agriculture, education and governance.

Tech leaders, policymakers and business at one table

The event brings together an influential mix of global tech executives, heads of government and senior ministers.

Business leaders, including Sunil Bharti Mittal, N. Chandrasekaran, Bill Gates, and senior executives from Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix and Zoom, are expected to deliberate on AI investment strategies, job creation, and partnerships with India.

With live demonstrations, research symposiums and leadership plenaries, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being positioned as a milestone event—one that reflects India’s aspiration to shape the future of artificial intelligence while amplifying the voice of the Global South in global technology governance.