New Delhi is gearing up for what could be the world’s largest AI summit as Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced unprecedented global interest in the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026. Scheduled for February 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam, this event marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South.
Vaishnaw highlighted that leading IT firms have developed over 200 specialized AI models tailored to specific sectors, set to launch during the summit. Investments in AI infrastructure have already surpassed $70 billion, with expectations to double by the event’s close. The government plans to expand AI infrastructure and industry-recognized courses to 500 universities, building a robust talent pipeline for the sector.
The minister referenced recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and key industry leaders, developers, and innovators across the AI value chain. These interactions underscore India’s structured approach to AI ecosystem growth, emphasizing deployment-ready solutions.
Secretary S. Krishnan emphasized the summit’s goal to democratize AI technology, ensuring its benefits reach wider society. As the inaugural global AI summit in the Global South, it will focus on aligning governance and standards for safe, responsible AI deployment in real-world applications.
The week-long event will feature over 500 sessions at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, including leadership dialogues, exhibitions, and outcome-driven workshops. The AI Impact Expo will host more than 840 exhibitors, from country pavilions and ministries to startups and research institutions.
This summit positions India as a frontrunner in AI innovation, fostering global collaboration and setting new benchmarks for ethical AI development.