India Hosts Big AI Meeting, Talks About World's Role

A major meeting about Artificial Intelligence, called the AI Impact Summit, is happening in New Delhi, India. Leaders from many countries are there to discuss how AI can be used for good and how to make sure it is safe and fair for everyone. India is highlighting the importance of developing countries in AI decisions.
By Newsroom | Technology, India |

The AI Impact Summit 2026 has commenced in New Delhi, marking a significant global convocation focused on artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the accompanying India AI Impact Expo, underscoring the nation's commitment to shaping an inclusive and responsible AI future. The summit, held from February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, draws international leaders, industry titans, researchers, and innovators, aiming to foster collaboration and address the transformative effects and challenges of AI. A key aspect of this event is its positioning as the first major international AI summit hosted in the Global South, highlighting India's ambition to amplify the voices of developing nations in global AI governance.

India AI Summit 2026 LIVE: PM Modi explores Artificial Intelligence innovation exhibits - 1

Summit Objectives and Global Participation

The AI Impact Summit 2026 is designed as a platform to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence, covering innovation, collaboration, and responsible use. Over the course of five days, the summit features more than 500 sessions with over 3,250 speakers and panellists, making it one of the largest AI-focused gatherings.

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India AI Summit 2026 LIVE: PM Modi explores Artificial Intelligence innovation exhibits - 2

  • The summit's themes are structured around seven "Chakras" or working groups: Human Capital, Inclusion for Social Empowerment, Safe and Trusted AI, Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency, Science, Democratizing AI Resources, and AI for Economic Growth and Social Good.

  • Global leaders, including heads of state and government from approximately 20 countries such as Brazil and France, are expected to attend, alongside executives from major tech firms like Zoom and Google.

  • Officials have emphasized that this summit represents the first time such a large-scale discussion on AI's transformative impact and challenges is hosted by a country in the Global South.

India's Role and Ambitions in AI

India is positioning itself not just as a consumer but as a provider of AI services globally, with a focus on skill development and innovation.

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  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with numerous exhibition pavilions at the India AI Impact Expo, interacting with startups, researchers, and technology leaders showcasing diverse AI applications.

  • Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary stated that India's hosting of this summit reflects its resolve to shape a responsible and inclusive AI future and to equip its youth and workforce with AI-ready skills.

  • Union Minister Jitin Prasada highlighted India's leading position in AI skill penetration and its policy of minimal regulation to foster innovation, aiming to become a preferred AI platform for the world.

Key Themes and Discussions

The summit's agenda covers a broad spectrum of AI-related topics, from ethical considerations to practical applications across various sectors.

India AI Summit 2026 LIVE: PM Modi explores Artificial Intelligence innovation exhibits - 4

  • Responsible AI and Governance: Discussions focus on frameworks for responsible AI, governance, and risk management. This includes addressing the AI accountability gap and ensuring AI deployment aligns with human values, trust, and security.

  • AI for Social Good and Economic Growth: Sessions explore how AI can enhance social good, uplift communities, and drive economic growth. Cisco India's MD noted AI's potential to reform social good for future generations by augmenting human capabilities.

  • Skill Development and Future Readiness: Emphasis is placed on building AI literacy, skilling the workforce, and empowering youth to transition from AI users to creators. Speakers suggest learning AI tools is crucial for productivity and career advancement.

  • Sector-Specific Applications: Topics include AI for agriculture, judicial ecosystem transformation, AI in education, and AI-powered solutions for disaster management and energy.

  • Culturally Grounded AI: The summit also addresses the integration of culturally grounded artificial intelligence and social norms.

Innovations and Expo Highlights

The accompanying India AI Impact Expo serves as a national showcase of AI in action, featuring innovations from startups and established companies.

  • The expo includes live demonstrations, AI-enabled assessment tools, and personalized career guidance systems, aiming to embed AI across the skilling ecosystem.

  • Over 600 high-potential startups are participating, many developing globally relevant AI solutions.

  • The expo is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, fostering global partnerships and business opportunities.

  • Thirteen country pavilions are present, highlighting international collaboration in the AI ecosystem.

Global Perspectives on AI Governance

International participants acknowledge India's pivotal role in shaping global AI discourse.

  • Duncan Cass-Beggs of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) stated that India has a "crucial role" in uniting the world to address emerging AI challenges.

  • The UK's Deputy Prime Minister views the summit as an "important moment" to unlock AI's full benefits, with a focus on how AI can drive growth and improve public services.

  • Norway's Ambassador to India congratulated India for hosting the summit and expressed a desire for deeper collaboration on democratizing artificial intelligence.

  • A representative from Reichman University's ZVI Meitar Institute noted that the summit places the Global South at the center of AI governance discussions.

Logistical and Access Information

The summit and expo have specific access schedules and guidelines for attendees.

  • The event runs from February 16 to February 20, 2026.

  • Access to different venues has been scheduled day-wise, with specific timings for the Convention Centre, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, and the Expo.

  • Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport issued an advisory regarding potential traffic disruptions, recommending the use of the metro.

  • Prohibited items for the summit included sharp objects, bags, car keys, laptops, earbuds, and food/water.

Expert Analysis

"India's hosting of one of the largest AI summits in the Global South reflects our resolve to shape a responsible and inclusive AI future. I look forward to meaningful engagements with global partners and to showcasing how India is equipping its youth and workforce with AI-ready skills that power growth and opportunity for all.” — Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister

"At Zoom, our approach to AI is rooted in a simple belief: technology should help people connect, create, and move forward together. As AI reshapes work and communication, it brings a responsibility to prioritise trust, security, and human values." — Eric Yuan, Founder and CEO, Zoom

"India has the highest level of artificial intelligence (AI) skill penetration and has adopted a policy approach of avoiding over-regulation to ensure innovation thrives… the country’s ambition is not just to be an AI consumer but an AI service provider to the world." — Jitin Prasada, Union Minister

"AI lifts everyone up and reforms social good for generations to come, and effectively augmenting essential human capabilities." — Harish Krishnan, Managing Director, Cisco Systems India

"India has a 'crucial role' in bringing the world together to address the emerging challenges of artificial intelligence (AI)." — Duncan Cass-Beggs, Executive Director, Global AI Risks Initiative, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi marks a pivotal moment in the global dialogue on artificial intelligence. India's initiative to host this large-scale event in the Global South signifies a determined effort to democratize AI discussions and governance. The summit has provided a comprehensive platform for diverse stakeholders to explore AI's potential, address its risks, and chart a course for responsible innovation. The emphasis on skill development, inclusive growth, and global partnerships suggests a strategic approach by India to leverage AI for national progress and contribute to global technological advancement. The outcomes and collaborations forged at this summit are expected to influence the trajectory of AI development and deployment worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the AI Impact Summit?
It is a big meeting in New Delhi where people from around the world talk about artificial intelligence. They discuss how to use AI well and make sure it is safe.
Q: Why is this summit important for the Global South?
This is the first big AI meeting hosted by a country in the Global South. It gives countries like India a chance to help lead the talks about AI for everyone.
Q: What kind of AI topics are being discussed?
They are talking about many things, like making AI safe and fair, using AI to help people and grow economies, and teaching people the skills they need for AI jobs.
Q: Who is attending the summit?
Leaders from about 20 countries, heads of big tech companies like Google and Zoom, and many researchers and experts are at the summit.