India Hosts AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Bringing Global Tech Leaders Together
New Delhi, February 16: India has officially opened the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking one of the largest global gatherings focused on the future of artificial intelligence. The summit, running from February 16 to February 20, brings together world leaders, policymakers, technology giants, and innovators to discuss how AI can be developed in a responsible, inclusive, and resilient manner.
For the first time, the global event is being held in the Global South, highlighting India’s growing influence in shaping worldwide conversations around technology governance and innovation. The summit is expected to see participation from over 100 countries, including 15–20 heads of government, more than 50 ministers, and over 40 CEOs from leading global and Indian companies.
High-Profile Global Participation
Among the prominent industry leaders expected to participate are Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google; Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic; and Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries. Their presence underlines the increasing importance of India as a major technology hub and a key player in discussions around AI regulation, innovation, and global cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026, held alongside the summit, showcasing practical AI applications and innovations aimed at transforming industries and public services.
AI Expo Showcases Innovation in Action
The India AI Impact Expo serves as a large-scale demonstration of how artificial intelligence is being applied across sectors such as healthcare, education, climate solutions, governance, and industry. The exhibition features hundreds of curated pavilions and live demonstrations, structured around three central themes — People, Planet, and Progress — designed to highlight the real-world impact of AI technologies.
Startups, research institutions, and global technology firms are presenting AI-driven solutions that focus on sustainability, accessibility, and economic growth, reinforcing India’s ambition to make AI beneficial for society at large.
Global Collaboration and Responsible AI
A key focus of the summit is establishing international cooperation on AI ethics, safety, and regulation. Policymakers and industry experts will discuss frameworks for ensuring that artificial intelligence remains transparent, accountable, and inclusive while supporting innovation.
Observers note that hosting such a high-level summit strengthens India’s position as a bridge between advanced economies and developing nations, especially as conversations around AI governance increasingly require global consensus.
Why the Summit Matters
The AI Impact Summit 2026 is being seen as more than just a technology conference — it is also a strategic diplomatic and economic platform. By bringing together governments, businesses, and researchers, the event aims to shape global AI standards, encourage investment, and foster collaborations that could define the next decade of digital transformation.
Industry analysts believe the outcomes from New Delhi could influence policy decisions, cross-border partnerships, and future AI development strategies worldwide.
