AI governance and innovation take centre stage as India hosts AI Impact Summit 2026

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 began on February 16 at the Bharat Mandapam, bringing together global leaders, technology executives, researchers and policymakers to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day summit, which will run until February 20.

The summit is positioned as one of the largest AI-focused gatherings in the Global South, with participation from governments, international organizations, startups and major technology firms.

More than 2.5 lakh visitors, including domestic and international delegates, are expected to attend the summit and its associated expo events.

In his inaugural address, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of global cooperation in developing artificial intelligence responsibly.

He emphasized the need for AI systems that are inclusive, transparent and beneficial to society at large. The broader agenda of the summit reflects these priorities, with sessions focused on governance frameworks, ethical deployment, innovation ecosystems and AI’s real-world applications.

A major component of the event is the India AI Impact Expo 2026, being held alongside the main summit at the same venue. The expo features participation from 13 countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia and Estonia, among others. These country pavilions aim to showcase international collaboration and technological advancements across sectors.

Organizers have scheduled more than 500 sessions across the five days, with over 3,250 speakers and panelists contributing to discussions.

Topics range from AI safety and regulatory approaches to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, education, agriculture and public services. The summit is designed to facilitate dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders on how to balance rapid innovation with safeguards that protect public interest.

Global technology companies are represented at the summit, with executives from leading AI-focused firms participating in panel discussions and closed-door meetings. Ahead of the event, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described India as having the potential to become a “full-stack AI leader,” highlighting the country’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem and its large user base engaging with AI tools.

The summit also seeks to advance conversations around equitable access to AI infrastructure and capacity building. Delegates are expected to explore strategies for strengthening international partnerships, expanding research collaboration and ensuring that developing nations have a voice in shaping global AI standards.

With the scale of participation and the diversity of representation, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being seen as a significant milestone in India’s efforts to position itself at the centre of global AI discussions.