New Delhi witnessed a high-profile arrival on Wednesday as Prime Ministers from Kazakhstan and the Netherlands touched down for the much-anticipated India AI Impact Summit 2026. The event, kicking off in the national capital, promises to be a global powerhouse of ideas on harnessing artificial intelligence’s transformative power across economies, governance, and societies.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenev received a warm welcome at the airport from Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. His participation underscores the deepening ties between India and Kazakhstan. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that Bektenev’s visit and involvement in the summit will significantly bolster bilateral partnerships, opening new avenues for collaboration in emerging technologies.
Joining the roster of distinguished guests, Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof landed amid great fanfare, greeted by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh. Schoof’s agenda centers on the AI summit, where his presence is expected to fortify India-Netherlands relations, particularly in innovation and tech-driven development.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 stands as one of the world’s premier forums on artificial intelligence, drawing leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from over 110 countries and 30 international organizations. This five-day extravaganza will feature addresses from presidents, prime ministers, vice presidents of nearly 20 nations, and around 45 ministers. Discussions will delve into AI’s role in reshaping economic growth, efficient governance, and social progress.
Rooted in Indian values, the summit’s theme ‘Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya’ – meaning welfare and happiness for all – emphasizes ethical AI deployment. Unlike previous summits in the UK (2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025) that focused on risks and regulations for developed nations, this edition spotlights developmental outcomes. It showcases AI’s potential to tackle Global South challenges, from enhancing healthcare access and boosting agricultural yields to bridging language barriers.
As world leaders converge, the summit aims to foster global cooperation, promote responsible AI practices, and accelerate its integration into key economic sectors. Expectations are sky-high for groundbreaking announcements and partnerships that could redefine the global AI landscape, positioning India as a frontrunner in inclusive technological advancement.