In a significant adjustment to the schedule of the India AI Expo 2026, the government has announced that the event will remain closed to the general public on February 19. This change, made to accommodate high-profile diplomatic engagements and manage what has been described as “record-breaking” crowds, comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to officially inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit on that day. The exhibition, held at Bharat Mandapam, will now extend its duration by one additional day, keeping its doors open until Saturday, February 21.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), stated that the decision to extend the expo was made to ensure a “smoother and more comfortable experience” for the thousands of visitors eager to explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. “The expo has been extended by a day due to huge enthusiasm,” he remarked, indicating the overwhelming interest in the event.
The closure on February 19 is due to a series of restricted-access events that involve world leaders and stringent security measures. The day is expected to be packed with high-stakes diplomacy and industrial strategy sessions, including addresses by PM Modi, the President of France, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The Prime Minister will participate in a private walkthrough of the exhibition pavilions at 11:00 am, followed by a noon meeting to discuss global AI governance and infrastructure. An evening session scheduled at 5:30 pm will connect government leaders with influential tech executives.
The India AI Summit will convene over 500 global AI leaders, including a mix of CEOs, founders, academicians, researchers, and philanthropic figures. Among these are expected to be around 100 CEOs and founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 CTOs and vice presidents. Additionally, the summit will involve over 100 government representatives, featuring more than 20 Heads of State and Government along with around 60 ministers and vice ministers.
This summit represents a critical opportunity for global dialogue and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing significance of AI technologies in shaping future economic and social landscapes. As governments and industries increasingly leverage AI’s potential, events like this highlight the necessity of international cooperation to navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise.
The extension of the expo’s hours until 8:00 pm further reflects the government’s commitment to accommodating the needs of attendees, providing additional time for engagement and exploration of cutting-edge AI innovations. With such a high-profile gathering of leaders and experts, the India AI Expo is positioned to become a pivotal forum for discussions that could influence AI policy and development on a global scale.
As the world continues to grapple with the implications of advanced technologies, the India AI Summit is poised to offer insights and strategies that could pave the way for responsible and beneficial AI integration into society. The anticipation surrounding this event underscores the growing recognition of AI’s transformative power in various sectors, from healthcare to finance and beyond.
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