Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 16, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for global artificial intelligence collaboration. The five-day event, held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan exhibition complex, brings together 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and over 500 AI industry leaders to address AI’s role in shaping economic and social futures.
Organized around the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress, the summit features seven working groups tackling critical themes such as AI-driven economic growth, equitable resource distribution, and ethical governance. A government statement highlighted the event’s focus on fostering ‘Safe and Trusted AI’ while prioritizing human-centric innovation.
The accompanying expo showcases pavilions from 13 countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, and several European nations, alongside 600 startups demonstrating cross-border AI solutions. Notable displays include Japan’s robotics advancements and Germany’s industrial automation prototypes, underscoring the summit’s emphasis on international partnership.
With India positioning itself as a leader in inclusive AI development, analysts suggest the summit could accelerate regulatory frameworks and investment opportunities across Asia’s tech sector. The event concludes on February 20 with expected announcements on joint AI research initiatives.
