Global Collaboration and Inclusive Vision for AI at the Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver the inaugural address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 19, 2026. This event marks a significant step towards enhancing global cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and reinforcing India’s vision for an inclusive, reliable, and development-focused AI framework. The inaugural summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and runs from February 16 to 20, bringing together key stakeholders including policymakers, technology innovators, researchers, startups, and investors from across the globe. The summit aims to present practical applications of AI and promote partnerships in this rapidly evolving sector.
Showcasing Real-World AI Applications
The primary goal of the summit is to convert AI innovations into tangible development outcomes that resonate with India’s strategic missions, such as the IndiaAI Mission and Digital India initiative. Prior to the inaugural address, PM Modi kicked off the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting the nation’s commitment to fostering responsible and inclusive AI practices. The event is expected to attract more than 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and approximately 500 leading figures in AI from around the world.
Prime Minister Modi Engages with Participants
After the formal inauguration, Prime Minister Modi engaged with exhibitors, comprising startups, researchers, and technology leaders displaying their AI applications across various sectors. He was joined by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, and Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology. An official statement indicated that AI is pivotal in India’s development trajectory, enhancing governance and transforming public service delivery in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Comprehensive Expo and International Participation
The Expo features ten venues, covering over 70,000 square meters, showcasing global tech companies, startups, academia, research institutions, Indian Union ministries, state governments, and international partners. Thirteen country pavilions exhibit international collaboration within the AI ecosystem, with participation from countries including Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African nations.
Thematic Focus on People, Planet, and Progress
More than 300 curated exhibition pavilions will host live demonstrations organized under three thematic areas: People, Planet, and Progress. The “People” zone emphasizes AI-enabled solutions that enhance citizen engagement, such as improving healthcare access via telemedicine, personalizing education through adaptive learning systems, and strengthening digital security through fraud prevention measures. The “Planet” section focuses on sustainable agricultural practices aided by AI, including crop forecasting, precision farming, and drone surveillance. The “Progress” area illustrates advancements in governance and efficiency across everyday services.
Startup Participation and Visitor Expectations
Over 600 high-potential startups will participate, many of which have already implemented globally relevant AI solutions in real-life contexts. The Expo anticipates attracting more than 250,000 visitors, including international delegates, with the aim of fostering global partnerships and business prospects within the AI framework. In addition, the event will feature more than 500 sessions with over 3,250 speakers and panelists contributing their insights and expertise.
India’s Ambitious AI Market Goals
Under the IndiaAI Mission, the country is set to unveil 12 indigenous foundational models that have been developed by local startups and consortia. These models are designed based on extensive Indian datasets and customized for use in the nation’s 22 official languages. With projections indicating that India’s AI market could exceed USD 17 billion by 2027, this summit represents a significant assertion of the nation’s commitment to bridging innovation with impactful technology for its diverse population.
