What is the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a landmark global conference on Artificial Intelligence, scheduled to be held on 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India. The Summit is being hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
Announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the France AI Action Summit, this event will be the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South, positioning India as a key leader in shaping the future of inclusive and responsible AI.
Vision and Objectives of the Summit
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to move beyond policy discussions and deliver action-oriented global AI cooperation. The Summit focuses on:
- Harnessing AI for inclusive and sustainable development
- Ensuring safe, trusted, and ethical AI systems
- Empowering the Global South in global AI governance
- Driving innovation for social good and economic growth
- Translating global AI commitments into measurable outcomes
Venue and Key Dates
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Summit Name | India – AI Impact Summit 2026 |
| Main Summit Dates | 19–20 February 2026 |
| Associated Events | 16–20 February 2026 |
| Venue | Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi |
| Host | MeitY, Government of India |
| Inauguration | Hon’ble Prime Minister of India |
The Three Sutras: Guiding Principles
The Summit is anchored around three foundational principles, referred to as the Three Sutras:
1. People
Using AI to enhance human well-being, skills, inclusion, and quality of life.
2. Planet
Applying AI to address climate change, sustainability, and environmental protection.
3. Progress
Leveraging AI to drive economic growth, innovation, and global development.
The Seven Chakras: Focus Areas of Cooperation
Building on the Three Sutras, deliberations will be organized around Seven Chakras, representing key areas of multilateral collaboration:
- Human Capital
- Inclusion for Social Empowerment
- Safe and Trusted AI
- Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency
- Science and Research
- Democratizing AI Resources
- AI for Economic Growth and Social Good
Participating Countries and Global Partners
The Summit is expected to witness participation from:
- G20 nations
- Countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East
- European Union, France, UK, Japan, South Korea
- International organizations and UN agencies
- Global technology companies, startups, and AI research institutions
- Think tanks, academia, and civil society organizations
The Summit strengthens India’s role as a bridge between developed economies and the Global South in AI governance.
Who Should Participate?
- Government leaders and policymakers
- AI researchers and scientists
- Technology companies and startups
- International development organizations
- Women-led AI innovators
- Youth innovators (ages 13–21)
- NGOs and social impact enterprises
Pre-Summit Flagship Initiatives (16–18 February 2026)
AI for ALL – Global Impact Challenge
Identifying AI solutions delivering real-world social and economic impact.
AI by HER
Supporting and scaling women-led AI innovations for social good.
YUVAi – Global Youth Challenge
Showcasing youth-driven AI solutions and encouraging responsible innovation.
Main Summit Agenda: Day-wise Overview
Day 1 – 19 February 2026
- Inaugural session by the Prime Minister of India
- Global leadership keynotes
- AI policy, governance, and safety discussions
- Panels on trusted and responsible AI
Day 2 – 20 February 2026
- AI for economic growth and job creation
- AI applications for climate and sustainability
- Global South collaboration dialogues
- Outcome documents and future roadmap
Registration and Call for Proposals
Organizations worldwide are invited to host official events at the Summit between 16–20 February 2026, conducted in person at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Official Links:
- Pre-Summit Events: https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/home/pre-summit-event
- Main Summit Events: https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/home/main-summit-events
Contact Emails:
Impact on Delhi: Hotel Rates Surge
Due to the large-scale participation of global delegates, hotel demand in New Delhi has surged significantly. During 16–20 February 2026, premium hotel room rates have reportedly reached up to ₹32 lakh (USD ~38,000) per night, reflecting the scale and importance of the Summit.
Why the India AI Impact Summit 2026 Matters
The Summit represents a pivotal moment in global AI cooperation by:
- Shifting AI leadership toward inclusive global participation
- Giving the Global South a stronger voice
- Aligning AI innovation with sustainability and social impact
- Creating actionable outcomes beyond policy statements
Conclusion
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 positions India at the center of global AI dialogue. By focusing on People, Planet, and Progress, the Summit aims to ensure that Artificial Intelligence becomes a force for inclusive growth, shared prosperity, and sustainable development worldwide.
For policymakers, technologists, researchers, and innovators, this Summit offers a unique platform to shape the future of AI at a truly global scale.