PM Modi inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026 as global summit begins in New Delhi
New Delhi, February 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam on February 16, marking the formal commencement of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 – the first global convening of its scale on artificial intelligence to be hosted in the Global South.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said being among innovators and tech enthusiasts offered a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI and Indian talent, adding that India would help shape solutions “not just for India but for the world.”
“Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation,” Modi stated. “Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the world!”
The five-day Summit, being held from February 16 to 20 in New Delhi, has drawn over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 heads of state and government and 60 ministers and vice ministers, along with more than 500 global AI leaders, including CEOs, founders, academicians, researchers and philanthropic organisations.
The Summit aims to deliberate on the role of AI in driving inclusive growth, strengthening public systems and enabling sustainable development. On February 19, Modi will deliver the inaugural address of the Summit, outlining India’s vision for inclusive and responsible AI and calling for stronger global cooperation.
A key highlight of the event is the culmination of three flagship Global Impact Challenges – AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi – designed to promote inclusive and development-oriented AI solutions. The challenges received more than 4,650 applications from over 60 countries. Following a multi-stage evaluation process involving domain experts and policymakers, 70 finalist teams have been selected. They will present their innovations during the Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan on February 16 and 17.
The Summit also features a ‘Research Symposium on AI and its Impact’, organised in partnership with Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad on February 18. The symposium has received around 250 research submissions from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Among the dignitaries attending are Estonian President Alar Karis, Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of State Jitin Prasada. Discussions will focus on AI-driven scientific discovery, governance and safety frameworks, equitable access to computing infrastructure and research collaboration across the Global South.
Anchored in the principles of ‘People, Planet and Progress’, the Summit seeks to position India as a key platform shaping the global AI agenda. Seven thematic working groups – covering economic growth and social good, democratisation of AI resources, inclusion, safety and trust, human capital, science, and resilience and innovation – are expected to present outcome-oriented recommendations linking policy dialogue with implementation.
By bringing together governments, industry, academia and multilateral institutions, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to move from dialogue to delivery, reinforcing India’s commitment to responsible, inclusive and development-focused AI while strengthening international cooperation and shared standards in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
