Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 15-20, 2026. This significant event will gather global leaders and CEOs from prominent technology companies, including Google DeepMind, Anthropic, Adobe, Salesforce, Qualcomm, and FedEx.
The summit aims to foster a consensus on critical issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), with a particular focus on the inclusion agenda and the democratization of AI resources. Notably, India has extended an official invitation to China to participate, marking the first time the nation has invited China as a partnering country to its annual AI event. This move is part of New Delhi’s effort to showcase its foundational AI models and present a unified policy directive for international agreement.
IT Secretary S Krishnan recently confirmed the attendance of several high-profile figures, including Bill Gates, Demis Hassabis (CEO of Google DeepMind), Dario Amodei (CEO of Anthropic), Shantanu Narayen (CEO of Adobe), Marc Benioff (CEO of Salesforce), Cristiano Amon (CEO of Qualcomm), and Raj Subramaniam (CEO of FedEx). Anticipated attendees also include French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and leaders from major tech companies like Nvidia, OpenAI, and Intel.
Krishnan expressed confidence that around 50 global CEOs and founders have already confirmed their participation, with expectations that this number will grow significantly following the holiday season. In total, more than 100 countries are anticipated to be represented at the summit. Notably, the event is expected to draw participation from 15 to 20 countries at the head of state or government level, along with over 50 countries represented at ministerial levels.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 seeks to democratize AI globally and bridge the AI divide, supporting the development of local AI solutions. It aims to facilitate ‘AI for Good’ initiatives across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and governance, while also striving for alignment of global AI standards with the needs of developing nations. This summit builds on previous multilateral initiatives, including those held in Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and Kigali.
In preparation for the summit, Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) is undertaking significant renovations around key locations, such as Bharat Mandapam, IGI Airport, and major tourist sites. The local government has mandated that these arrangements exceed the standards set during the recent G-20 Summit.
The chief secretary of Delhi has instructed PWD to ensure all necessary preparations are in place, including security measures, traffic management, cleanliness, and infrastructure improvements. The action plan focuses on road maintenance, fixing potholes, enhancing signage, and improving lighting in critical areas frequented by attendees.
During the summit, numerous heads of state, foreign delegates, and leaders from international organizations are expected to visit the city, prompting the PWD to implement arrangements of a higher standard than those made for the G-20 Summit. A dedicated control room has been established at the PWD headquarters to oversee these preparations and coordinate with various departments.
As India gears up for this landmark event, discussions regarding the country’s involvement in the Pax Silica silicon supply chain block with the United States are ongoing, according to Krishnan. He noted that these discussions occur at multiple levels, involving the Ministry of External Affairs and the National Security Advisor.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 represents a pivotal moment for India as it positions itself as a leader in the global AI dialogue, inviting participation from nations across the global south, particularly from Africa and Latin America. As the event draws closer, it promises to facilitate critical discussions on the future of AI and its role in addressing global challenges.
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