Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra participated in a panel discussion titled “Reflections on Paris and Prospects for New Delhi” on February 2, organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The event, which included the Ambassador of France, focused on the upcoming AI Summit in India and the significant impact it aims to achieve.
In a post on X, Kwatra emphasized that “Impact” is a core driver of the AI Summit. He outlined India’s approach to artificial intelligence, highlighting the country’s commitment to the “democratization of AI” centered around people, the planet, and progress. The discussions aimed at advancing global dialogue on AI, with India advocating for impact-led innovation and inclusive growth as vital components of its engagement leading up to the summit.
Kwatra’s remarks came on the heels of earlier engagements on January 31, during which he elaborated on India’s people-first strategy for artificial intelligence. He noted that the AI Impact Summit will be anchored on three core pillars: people, planet, and progress. “This is the first time that the summit is taking place in a Global South country,” he stated, underlining the significance of this event.
The first pillar, focusing on people, emphasizes cultural diversity, dignity, and access to technology. Kwatra explained that the second element, planet, ensures that technology serves the greater good and is not restricted to a specific geographic area. The third pillar, progress, aims for economic and technological advancements that benefit society as a whole.
This international discourse on AI is part of a broader trend that has seen numerous summits gather governments, industry leaders, and civil society since 2023 to foster cooperation on artificial intelligence. The upcoming AI Impact Summit in February 2026 will be historic, marking the first global AI summit to be held in the Global South.
The conference also featured Laurent Bili and put the upcoming summit in the context of the momentum generated by the Paris AI Action Summit, co-hosted by France and India in February 2025. Discussions during the event delved into both domestic and global AI policy agendas, industry perspectives on governance and innovation, and AI-driven development initiatives across the Global South.
Projected as a pivotal event, the India AI Impact Summit aims to fortify India’s role in fostering responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the outcomes from focused working groups are anticipated to shape AI policy, skilling strategies, and implementation across India and the Global South.
These initiatives were detailed during the 38th episode of “Digital India: Ask Our Experts,” where officials outlined a roadmap for India’s AI-driven future. Efforts to democratize access to AI have been highlighted, particularly for youth, startups, women innovators, and learners from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Participants raised crucial questions regarding open data access, AI infrastructure, and healthcare data safety. In response, officials assured that IndiaAI is prioritizing secure and inclusive platforms to facilitate broader participation in the AI ecosystem.
The discussions acted as a precursor to the India AI Impact Expo 2026, scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The expo will showcase real-world AI applications across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance, underscoring India’s commitment to harnessing AI for inclusive societal benefits.
The preparations for the summit and the forthcoming expo reflect a strategic positioning for India as it aims to elevate its influence in the rapidly evolving AI landscape while advocating for policies that ensure the technology benefits all segments of society.
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