India AI Impact Summit begins today; PM Modi hails global participation, calls for ‘human-centric’ AI
The India AI Impact Summit, one of the largest artificial intelligence gatherings in the Global South, begins in New Delhi on Monday, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, industry executives, researchers and innovators to deliberate on the future of AI.
In a series of posts on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed delegates to the five-day summit at Bharat Mandapam and underscored its core theme: “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” — welfare for all, happiness for all.
“Bringing the world together to discuss AI! Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the summit reflects a shared global commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence for human-centric progress.
Highlighting AI’s transformative potential, PM Modi said the technology is reshaping sectors ranging from healthcare and education to agriculture, governance and enterprise.
“The AI Impact Summit will enrich global discourse on diverse aspects of AI, such as innovation, collaboration, responsible use and more. I am confident that the outcomes of the Summit will help shape a future that is progressive, innovative and opportunity-driven,” he noted.
Emphasising India’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem, the Prime Minister said the country stands “at the forefront of AI-led transformation,” driven by its 1.4 billion people.
“From digital public infrastructure to a vibrant StartUp ecosystem and cutting-edge research, our strides in AI reflect both ambition and responsibility,” he added.
In another post, PM Modi described the global participation at the summit as a matter of pride, reflecting India’s rising stature in science and technology. He said the turnout underscores the immense potential of India’s youth and the country’s accelerating contribution to global technological development.
Running parallel to the summit, the India AI Impact Expo 2026 will be held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The expo will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister at 5 pm on Monday.
Spread across 10 arenas covering more than 70,000 square metres, the expo will bring together global technology companies, startups, academic and research institutions, as well as Union Ministries, state governments and international partners.
The event will feature 13 country pavilions showcasing international collaboration in the AI ecosystem. Participating nations include Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia and Tajikistan, along with several African countries.
Over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations will be organised under three thematic “chakras” — People, Planet and Progress.
More than 600 startups are expected to participate, many presenting population-scale AI solutions already deployed in real-world settings.
The expo is expected to draw more than 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, and aims to foster partnerships and generate business opportunities across the global AI landscape.
More than 500 sessions featuring over 3,250 speakers and panellists will explore AI’s transformative role across sectors, with discussions focused on ensuring inclusive, ethical and responsible adoption worldwide.
According to an official statement, the expo will serve as a national demonstration of “AI in action,” where policy meets practice, innovation meets scale and technology connects with citizens.
