New Delhi erupted into a hub of global innovation as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced on Monday, drawing an unprecedented assembly of world leaders. Over 20 heads of state and government chiefs, alongside 60 ministers and 500 top AI experts from around the globe, converged for this landmark event.
This five-day extravaganza, running until February 20, marks the first major international conference on artificial intelligence hosted in the Global South. Participants include government dignitaries, tech titans, researchers, multilateral organization reps, and industry heavyweights, all united to explore AI’s transformative potential.
The summit’s core mission? To harness AI for inclusive growth, resilient public systems, and sustainable development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the event on February 19, delivering a keynote that promises to steer global collaboration toward responsible AI adoption, spotlighting India’s visionary approach.
A highlight is the trio of Global Impact Challenges: AI for All, AI by All, and Youth AI. These competitions received over 4,650 entries from more than 60 countries, underscoring India’s rising stature in AI. After rigorous multi-tier evaluations by experts and policymakers, 70 finalist teams were selected across categories.
These innovators will pitch their solutions on February 16 and 17 at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, rubbing shoulders with policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and academics. On February 18, a research symposium on ‘AI and Its Impact,’ co-hosted by IIT Hyderabad, will feature around 250 papers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Estonia’s President Alar Karis and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are set to participate, joining renowned AI specialists to deliberate on AI-driven scientific discoveries, safety frameworks, equitable computing access, and research collaborations among Global South nations. This summit isn’t just talk—it’s a blueprint for AI’s equitable future.