India’s New AI Summit in Delhi: Global Leaders, Dates, Agenda and What It Means for the AI Ecosystem
New Delhi is set to take centre stage in the global technology landscape as it prepares to host the AI Impact Summit 2026 from 16 to 20 February 2026. The summit, organised under the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission and led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, marks one of the most significant international gatherings focused on artificial intelligence to be held in the Global South.
The event is expected to bring together policymakers, technology executives, researchers, startup founders and civil society representatives from across the world. According to official announcements, delegates from more than 100 countries have registered for the summit, underscoring India’s growing prominence in global AI discussions. Participation is projected to include heads of government, foreign ministers, CEOs from leading multinational and Indian technology firms, and hundreds of AI innovators and researchers.
Among the prominent industry leaders expected to attend are Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai and Jensen Huang, reflecting the strategic importance of the summit to the global technology sector. The presence of top executives signals a convergence of government and private sector priorities at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, economies and governance systems.
The summit’s agenda is structured around translating AI from concept to impact. Organisers have emphasised a focus on practical deployment, responsible governance and inclusive growth rather than purely theoretical debates. Sessions are expected to address trusted and safe AI systems, workforce transformation, AI infrastructure, equitable access to computing resources and the application of AI in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and public services.
A key feature of the summit is its thematic framework built around multiple “Chakras” or focus pillars, each representing a dimension of AI’s societal and economic impact. These include building human capital for the AI era, ensuring inclusion and accessibility, strengthening scientific research, promoting sustainability, and encouraging innovation-driven economic development. The framework aims to ensure that discussions result in actionable pathways rather than symbolic commitments.
India’s decision to host such a large-scale global AI gathering is widely seen as a strategic move. Over the past several years, the country has positioned itself as both a major digital economy and a laboratory for technology-led public service delivery. Initiatives such as digital identity systems, unified payment platforms and large-scale digital infrastructure have demonstrated the country’s capacity to deploy technology at population scale. The AI summit extends this ambition into the realm of advanced technologies.
For India, the summit represents more than a diplomatic milestone. It signals an intention to shape international norms around artificial intelligence while also strengthening domestic capabilities. The government’s AI mission focuses on expanding research capacity, enabling startups, supporting compute infrastructure and encouraging ethical AI frameworks. Hosting global leaders in New Delhi reinforces India’s aspiration to move from being primarily a consumer of advanced technologies to a co-creator of global AI standards.
The event also reflects a broader shift in global AI governance. Earlier international discussions have often centred on safety, regulation and risk mitigation. While those themes remain central, the Delhi summit places added emphasis on development, inclusion and economic opportunity. By convening stakeholders from developed and developing economies alike, the platform seeks to amplify perspectives that have traditionally been underrepresented in technology policymaking.
The participation of global technology companies highlights the growing interdependence between national governments and private AI labs. As artificial intelligence systems become more powerful and widely deployed, regulatory clarity and cross-border cooperation have become crucial. The summit provides a space for dialogue on standards, data governance, cybersecurity, cross-border innovation and ethical safeguards.
For startups and young innovators, the gathering offers significant exposure. Showcases and side events are expected to provide opportunities for early-stage companies to present AI-driven solutions to investors, policymakers and international partners. This ecosystem focus aligns with India’s broader push to nurture homegrown AI talent and entrepreneurial ventures.
International observers note that the summit’s geopolitical implications are equally significant. As countries compete and collaborate in areas such as semiconductor supply chains, AI research and digital infrastructure, platforms like this serve as diplomatic bridges. They also signal how technology has become central to foreign policy, trade negotiations and economic strategy.
Ultimately, the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi reflects a pivotal moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence governance. By bringing together governments, global technology leaders and innovators under one roof, India is positioning itself as a key voice in shaping how AI will influence economies and societies in the years ahead. The outcomes of the discussions may help define not only India’s technological trajectory but also the broader contours of international cooperation in the AI era.
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Last Updated on: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 11:40 am by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 11:40 am | News Categories: General, India, Technology