The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has officially begun at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the first time a global artificial intelligence summit of this scale is being hosted in the Global South. The event, running from February 16 to 20, brings together world leaders, top tech executives, policymakers, researchers and startups to explore how AI can be used responsibly and inclusively across sectors.
The summit serves not just as a policy forum but also as a massive expo, featuring hundreds of exhibitors from India and over 30 countries, with more than 500 sessions, thematic discussions, and showcases of cutting-edge AI solutions. It emphasises practical impact, including applications in health, agriculture, inclusion, economic development and AI governance frameworks.
India’s leadership role in the global AI conversation is evident in both participation and ambition: scores of international delegates — including CEOs from major tech firms — are attending, and the government is pushing for outcomes such as a “Delhi Declaration” on AI to promote cooperation and shared AI norms.
However, the summit’s launch has also seen logistical challenges, with overcrowding and access confusion reported on the opening day, highlighting the intense public interest as well as the organizational strain of hosting a large-scale global tech gathering.
