New Delhi: India on Monday kicked off the India AI Impact Summit 2026, marking the first major global artificial intelligence conference to be hosted in the Global South.
The five-day event, running from 16 to 20 February at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre, focuses on harnessing AI for “welfare for all, happiness for all” – drawing from the Sanskrit principle of Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed delegates from around the world in a series of posts on X, emphasising India’s role in bringing together leaders, industry captains, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts. “This also shows the capability of our country’s youth,” he wrote in Hindi, highlighting the nation’s rapid progress in science and technology.
Modi noted that AI is transforming sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and enterprise, and expressed confidence that the summit would enrich discussions on innovation, collaboration, and responsible use.
Over 100 countries are participating, with the event structured around seven key themes – or “chakras” – to drive global collaboration. The agenda includes keynotes, panel discussions, roundtables, a research symposium, industry sessions, and the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) Council Meeting on 20 February. Releases of knowledge compendiums on AI applications in health, energy, education, agriculture, gender empowerment, and accessibility are scheduled for 17 February.
Key speakers at the summit include Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis who will address the event on Thursday.
The summit features the AI Impact Expo, showcasing innovations from over 51 startups in areas like media, entertainment, gaming, and immersive technologies at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s pavilion. Five Indian gaming startups – Yesgnome, Metasports (Hitwicket), Koyozo, Youth Buzz (Ourcadium), and Evivve – are set to present AI-powered solutions, alongside a panel on investing in India’s AI-driven gaming future.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is highlighting skilling as central to India’s inclusive AI vision through its pavilion. Minister Jayant Chaudhary praised the event as a reflection of India’s commitment to a responsible AI future. Finalists from three global challenges – AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi – will showcase solutions at the expo, with top teams engaging policymakers and investors.
India’s approach to AI emphasises equitable access, population-scale skilling, and responsible deployment, as outlined by Modi in earlier remarks. He called for a global compact to prevent AI misuse in deepfakes, crime, and terror. The summit aligns with India’s AI Mission, aiming to extend benefits to every district and language.
A nationwide digital campaign on 16-17 February promotes ethical and inclusive AI use. Media registration was extended until 13 February to accommodate interest. As discussions continue, the event positions India as a bridge for AI collaboration between developed and developing nations.
