India Hosts Global AI Summit with World Leaders and Tech Chiefs

New Delhi is hosting the India AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the main expo today at Bharat Mandapam. Leaders from dozens of countries and executives from leading tech firms have gathered to talk about AI's effects on jobs, child safety, governance and daily life.

Background

This event marks the fourth time the AI Impact Summit has taken place around the world. Past ones happened in the UK, Seoul and Paris, but this is the first in the Global South. Organizers say it focuses on three main ideas: putting people first, protecting the planet and making sure progress reaches everyone, not just a few big players.

The summit comes at a time when AI tools are changing work, farming, health care and more. India wants to play a bigger part in setting rules for how AI grows worldwide. Officials here see it as a chance to bring voices from developing countries into the conversation. Over the next five days, more than 500 sessions will cover topics like safe AI use, sharing data fairly and building tech that helps everyone.

Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan serves as the main spot, with events also at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan and Dr. Ambedkar Bhawan. The AI Impact Expo runs all five days, spread across seven areas called 'Chakras': health, agriculture, safe and trusted AI, science, inclusion, democratizing AI resources and economic development. More than 840 exhibitors from national groups, startups, tech companies and research labs are taking part, along with pavilions from 13 countries like Australia, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and African nations.

Crowd estimates top 250,000 visitors, including delegates from abroad. No fee to register, and people can sign up online for access.

Key Details

The summit kicks off today with keynote speeches, policy talks and expert groups at the main venues. Prime Minister Modi will open the expo at 5 pm, setting the stage for national goals and new ties. Panels and roundtables will frame how AI can work for India and the world.

Daily Breakdown

On Tuesday, February 17, sessions continue with launches of knowledge books on AI in health, energy, education, farming, women's empowerment and disabilities. A seminar on real-world AI use is also planned.

Wednesday brings a research day where academics and think tanks share new findings. Industry talks follow, plus demos from finalists in the AI by HER Global Impact Challenge. A dinner caps the evening at Bharat Mandapam.

Thursday sees the formal start with PM Modi at an invite-only event. A leaders' plenary and CEO roundtable come next, both with addresses from the prime minister. The expo stays open to registered guests.

Friday wraps with a meeting of the GPAI Council on responsible AI. Leaders plan to sign a declaration, with India pushing for a shared AI resource pool and global rules.

Big names on hand include Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, Microsoft President Brad Smith, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch, Meta's Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang and World Economic Forum President Børge Brende. From India, Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani, HCLTech CEO C Vijayakumar, Salesforce India Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya and others join in.

World leaders attending include French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Over 3,250 speakers fill more than 500 sessions.

"We invite the whole world's data to India," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said ahead of the summit, noting data centers will create jobs for young people.

Cultural events bookend the week. Monday's opening has traditional dances and awards for challenge winners. Friday closes with a show blending old traditions and new tech.

What This Means

Talks here aim to shape how AI rolls out without leaving people behind. Sessions tackle job losses from automation, keeping kids safe online and making sure AI follows ethical lines. India pushes for its own AI systems that control data and tech at home, while sharing know-how globally.

The event could spark deals between companies, governments and startups. With pavilions from many nations, it sets up trade and partnerships in AI tools for farming, health and growth. A leaders' statement on Friday might lay out first steps for worldwide AI rules, giving smaller countries more say.

For India, hosting means jobs in data centers and tech hubs. PM Modi has said building these will employ youth and draw global data stores. Over 30 countries join, so new links could boost India's place in AI development.

Finalists from global challenges will show their work, like AI for social good. This tests ideas in real settings and could lead to wider use. Organizers expect the summit to push for AI that respects privacy, cuts risks and spreads benefits evenly.

As the first big AI meet in the developing world, it tests if Global South views can change global plans. With tech giants and presidents in one place, outcomes may guide laws, investments and tech builds for years.