India AI Impact Summit Opens Today, PM Modi to Inaugurate
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 officially kicks off today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking one of the largest artificial intelligence events hosted in the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the five-day summit at 5 PM, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and startups from around the world.
Running from February 16 to February 20, the summit aims to establish India as a key player in the global AI landscape. Organizers anticipate more than 300 exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations across 10 arenas, covering more than 70,000 square meters. Thematic areas will focus on People, Planet, and Progress, highlighting AI’s role in social welfare, sustainability, and innovation.
Key global tech leaders, including executives such as Sam Altman and Sundar Pichai, are expected to participate, along with government representatives and industry leaders. They will engage in discussions on responsible AI development, ethics, transparency, and the future of work.
The summit will feature more than 500 sessions with over 3,250 speakers, examining how AI can spur economic growth while ensuring equitable access and human-centric innovation. Over 600 startups will showcase AI applications designed for both Indian and global markets.
A significant focus of the event is on sovereign AI development, reflecting India’s commitment to building local AI infrastructure and capabilities. The government has announced substantial investments in AI infrastructure and skill development initiatives aimed at students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Sessions like “AI for Bharat” and “The Future of Employability in the Age of AI” are expected to discuss how artificial intelligence can tackle real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Thirteen country pavilions—including Australia, Japan, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—will promote international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Organizers estimate that the summit could attract over 250,000 visitors throughout the week, making it one of the largest AI events in the world.
As India hosts this significant gathering, the summit is viewed as a strategic move to position the country at the center of the global AI dialogue. Through discussions on innovation, regulation, and ethical deployment, the event aims to influence the next phase of artificial intelligence adoption both in India and globally.
