The India AI Impact Summit 2026, currently underway in New Delhi, marks a historic moment in the global AI landscape. This is the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South, focusing on transitioning AI discussions from theoretical safety measures to actionable, real-world impacts. The event, organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission, is set to shape the future of AI globally.
📅 Event Overview – AI Impact Summit 2026
- Dates: February 16 – 20, 2026
- Primary Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
- Organizer: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India
- Theme: “Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare for All, Happiness for All)
The summit aims to explore AI’s potential for societal benefit and inclusive growth while discussing key aspects of governance, ethics, and accessibility.
Strategic Framework
The discussions at the summit are anchored in two main frameworks that guide the action and dialogue:
- The Three Sutras: People, Planet, and Progress
- The Seven Chakras: These areas include Human Capital, Social Inclusion, Safe & Trusted AI, Science, Resilience, Democratizing AI Resources, and AI for Economic Growth.
These frameworks ensure that the summit emphasizes both the ethical and practical aspects of AI’s development and application.
Notable Speakers and Attendees
The summit features some of the brightest minds and influential leaders from politics, technology, and academia:
- Political Leaders:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi (India)
- President Emmanuel Macron (France)
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres
- Tech Titans:
- Sundar Pichai (Google)
- Sam Altman (OpenAI)
- Dario Amodei (Anthropic)
- Bill Gates (Gates Foundation)
- Demis Hassabis (Google DeepMind)
- Yann LeCun (Meta)
- Indian Industry Leaders:
- Mukesh Ambani (Reliance)
- N Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons)
- Nandan Nilekani (Infosys)
Key Highlights of AI Impact Summit 2026
Here are some of the most anticipated moments of the summit:
1. India AI Impact Expo
The summit hosts an exhibition featuring over 300 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, showcasing cutting-edge AI innovations. The thematic pavilions focus on diverse aspects of AI technology, such as automation, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
2. MANAV Vision
On February 19, Prime Minister Modi introduced the MANAV Vision, which focuses on the importance of moral and ethical systems, accountable governance, national sovereignty, and accessibility. This vision is set to guide India’s approach to AI development, ensuring AI benefits the masses.
3. Global Impact Challenges
The summit has launched flagship competitions that address social impact challenges:
- AI for All: Focusing on democratizing AI access for all demographics.
- AI by Her: A women-led initiative encouraging female participation in AI development.
- YUVAi: Aimed at empowering youth aged 13-21 to contribute to AI innovation.
With prizes totaling up to ₹2.5 crore, these competitions inspire young minds and innovators to create AI solutions for societal good.
4. Research Symposium
The summit also includes a research symposium, bringing together top academics, including Turing Award winners, to discuss AI’s impact on the Global South. This forum highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in AI development for emerging economies.
FAQs
1. What is the India AI Impact Summit 2026 about?
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, focusing on moving from theoretical AI discussions to real-world applications that benefit society.
2. Who are the key speakers at the summit?
The summit features political leaders like PM Narendra Modi, tech leaders like Sundar Pichai, and industry giants such as Mukesh Ambani and Nandan Nilekani.
3. What are the major themes discussed at the summit?
The themes include human capital, inclusion, AI for economic growth, safe and trusted AI, and democratizing AI resources, all guided by the frameworks of People, Planet, and Progress.
4. What is the MANAV Vision?
The MANAV Vision, introduced by PM Modi, focuses on moral systems, accountable governance, and accessibility to ensure AI benefits all.
5. How can I participate in the AI Impact Challenges?
There are several challenges like AI for All and AI by Her for innovators, with ₹2.5 crore in prizes. Participants can register and submit their solutions at the summit’s platform.
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