The AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to begin on Monday (February 16) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the India AI Impact Expo 2026. The five-day event, running until February 20, is expected to bring together global technology leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence.
🌍 Global Participation
The summit is expected to witness participation from representatives of nearly 100 countries. Leaders from around 20 nations, including Brazil and France, are likely to attend high-level discussions focused on innovation, regulation, and the global impact of AI.
Prominent technology figures such as Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman are among the anticipated attendees, reflecting the event’s global significance.
The participation of Bill Gates has also drawn attention, amid ongoing international discussions surrounding his past associations. However, officials have indicated that the summit’s focus remains firmly on technological collaboration and policy dialogue.
🇮🇳 India AI Impact Expo 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026, which will feature exhibition pavilions from 13 participating countries. The expo aims to showcase advancements in AI applications across sectors including healthcare, education, defence, governance, and sustainable development.
Officials have described the event as a landmark moment for India’s expanding digital ecosystem and a platform to position the country as a key player in global AI governance.
đź“Ť Venue and Significance
The summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam, the same venue that hosted the G-20 Summit in 2023. This marks the fourth edition of the global AI Summit series, following earlier editions in the United Kingdom, South Korea, and France.
Government sources have highlighted that this is the first time the AI Impact Summit is being hosted in a Global South nation, underlining India’s growing influence in technology diplomacy and digital innovation.
🤖 Focus Areas of Discussion
Key themes expected to dominate the summit include:
- Ethical and responsible AI development
- Regulation and governance frameworks
- AI’s role in economic growth
- Data privacy and cybersecurity
- Bridging the global AI divide
With policymakers and tech CEOs sharing the same platform, the event is likely to shape conversations around the future direction of AI adoption worldwide.