India’s preparations to host the India AI Impact Summit 2026 have accelerated, attracting strong global attention and highlighting the country’s growing influence in the artificial intelligence ecosystem. The Summit, scheduled from 16 to 20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, will be the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, marking a significant milestone in India’s AI journey. Officials have emphasized the country’s systematic, deployment-driven approach to AI development, underpinned by recent engagements between the Prime Minister and leaders across the AI value chain.
The Summit is expected to feature the launch of more than 200 sector-specific AI models developed by leading IT companies. Significant investments in India’s AI infrastructure, totaling nearly US$70 billion, are already underway, with potential for this figure to double by the end of the event. Parallel initiatives are focused on building a sustainable AI talent pipeline, extending infrastructure access and industry-aligned curricula to 500 universities nationwide.
Ahead of the Summit, a compendium titled The Impact Agenda: Leadership Reflections was launched, capturing insights from around 60 industry experts on responsible AI adoption and its potential for inclusive growth, innovation, and societal impact. Preparatory efforts have included hybrid meetings of seven thematic Working Groups structured around the Sutras of People, Planet, and Progress, as well as seven Regional AI Impact Conferences across various states, aligning national priorities with regional strengths and governance contexts.
The Summit’s participatory approach has been reinforced through nearly 480 pre-Summit events held across India and internationally, with 83 engagements spanning 30 countries. Additional activities are planned through 10 February 2026, demonstrating the scale and inclusivity of the preparatory process. The central objective of the India AI Impact Summit is to advance the democratization of AI, ensuring its benefits reach a broad segment of society while promoting safe, responsible, and real-world deployment.
During Summit week, more than 500 curated events are planned across Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, including leader-level dialogues, exhibitions, and outcome-oriented sessions. The AI Impact Expo will host over 840 exhibitors, featuring country pavilions, government ministries, industry players, startups, and research institutions, showcasing AI solutions with proven impact. IndiaAI will also highlight progress on foundational AI models.
Participation has been confirmed from 15 Heads of State or Government, over 40 Ministers, more than 100 CEOs and CXOs, and more than 100 eminent academics. Global technology and philanthropic organisations are expected to play a key role in driving collaboration. The Summit underscores India’s commitment to making artificial intelligence safe, trusted, and inclusive, while leveraging it as a catalyst for innovation, economic growth, and societal impact.
