India will host the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, aiming to establish itself as a pivotal player in global artificial intelligence governance. Organized under the IndiaAI Mission of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, this edition of the summit will be the first in the Global South, following previous iterations held in Bletchley Park, Seoul, Paris, and Kigali.
The summit is designed to transition global AI discussions from broad commitments to tangible outcomes, guided by the principles of People, Planet, and Progress. These principles are operationalized through seven thematic working groups or “Chakras,” which will address areas including Human Capital, Inclusion for Social Empowerment, Safe and Trusted AI, Resilience and Innovation, Science, Democratising AI Resources, and AI for Economic Growth and Social Good.
Meetings for these working groups are scheduled to take place from October to December in a hybrid format, with venues in various Indian cities, including Guwahati, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Bhagwanpur, and Kanpur. Preparatory efforts have featured five rounds of national consultations, over 600 citizen responses via MyGov, and international outreach efforts in cities such as Paris, Berlin, Oslo, New York, Geneva, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Additionally, the summit has already seen more than 50 affiliated pre-summit AI events organized domestically and internationally, with a total of 375 applications received from governments, universities, research institutions, civil society groups, and private sector organizations worldwide.
To enhance participation and surface practical solutions, the summit will showcase a series of flagship initiatives, including YUVAi – Global Youth Challenge, AI by HER – Global Impact Challenge, AI for ALL – Global Impact Challenge, and UDAAN – Global AI Pitch Fest for startups. A significant AI Impact Expo is scheduled from February 16 to 20 to highlight applications and innovations from governments, enterprises, and startups. On February 18, a dedicated Research Symposium will focus on AI and its impact, featuring contributions from India, the Global South, and international researchers.
The provisional agenda commences with a cultural day on February 15, followed by three days of flagship events. The main summit sessions on February 19 and 20 will include a Leaders’ Plenary, CEO Roundtable, GPAI Council Meeting, panel discussions, keynotes, and expert-level roundtables. In a nod to participatory design, a nationwide MyGov logo contest attracted nearly 600 submissions, leading to a final logo that incorporates elements from the winning entry and aligns with the motto “Sarvajana Hitaya | Sarvajana Sukhaya”—“for the welfare of all, for the happiness of all.”
With a focus on access, safety, innovation, and equitable deployment, the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to showcase how AI can be a catalyst for development, inclusion, and global collaboration at scale. The summit is expected to draw participants from various sectors, including policy makers, industry leaders, and academia, providing a unique platform for dialogue on the future of AI in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
This landmark event reflects India’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, not only within its borders but also in the broader global context. As AI continues to evolve and permeate various sectors, the discussions and initiatives launched at this summit may serve as a blueprint for future governance and ethical frameworks in the realm of artificial intelligence.
For more information, visit the official Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology website or the IndiaAI Mission.
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