India launched the AI Impact Summit 2026 on 16 February, bringing together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and technology enthusiasts to discuss the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, highlighting its focus on harnessing AI for human-centric progress and sustainable development.
Addressing participants, PM Modi emphasized that the summit aims to unite the world to explore the potential of AI across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and enterprise. He noted that India stands at the forefront of AI adoption, propelled by the efforts of 1.4 billion citizens, with digital public infrastructure, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and advanced research driving the nation’s progress.
“AI today is reshaping industries and governance frameworks. The AI Impact Summit will enrich global discussions on innovation, responsible use, and collaboration. The outcomes will help shape a future that is progressive, opportunity-driven, and inclusive,” PM Modi said in his address and social media post on X. The summit’s theme, Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya, welfare and happiness for all, reflects a commitment to leveraging AI for societal benefit.
In conjunction with the summit, the India AI Impact Expo 2026 was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam and will continue through 20 February. The Expo spans 10 arenas across more than 70,000 square metres, featuring over 300 curated exhibition pavilions, live demonstrations, and thematic zones focused on People, Planet, and Progress. Over 600 high-potential startups are participating, showcasing solutions deployed in real-world settings at population scale.
The Expo also includes 13 international country pavilions from Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and African nations, reflecting global collaboration in the AI ecosystem. Government ministries, state administrations, academia, research institutions, and technology firms from around the world are participating, demonstrating India’s ambition to establish itself as a global AI hub.
Over 500 sessions will be held during the summit and Expo, featuring more than 3,250 speakers and panel members. Discussions will focus on recognizing AI’s transformative impact, identifying sector-specific applications, and ensuring that AI innovations are equitable and accessible to all global citizens.
Officials highlighted that the Expo will serve as a national demonstration of AI in action, linking policy to practice, innovation to scale, and technology to everyday life. The event is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, facilitating networking, partnerships, and business opportunities in the AI domain.
PM Modi’s address underscored India’s leadership in AI innovation, highlighting the country’s efforts in building scalable solutions, supporting research initiatives, and fostering an ecosystem where startups can thrive. By emphasizing responsible adoption and global cooperation, the summit aims to guide AI development in a way that benefits society, protects human interests, and promotes sustainable progress.
The India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026 is positioned as a platform to integrate global expertise with local innovation, promoting collaboration, investment, and knowledge-sharing. With a combination of exhibitions, demonstrations, and high-level discussions, the event highlights India’s ambition to lead in AI development, shaping a future where technology drives both economic growth and social welfare.
