India AI Impact Summit 2026: PM Modi to deliver inaugural address on February 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 19 in New Delhi, setting the tone for what is being seen as one of the most significant global gatherings on Artificial Intelligence hosted in the Global South. The five-day summit, being held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, is bringing together world leaders, policymakers, researchers, technology giants, startups, and investors to shape the next phase of AI collaboration with India positioning itself at the centre of inclusive, development-focused innovation.

Officials said the summit aims to strengthen partnerships across countries while promoting a model of AI that is trusted, inclusive, and rooted in development outcomes rather than limited to commercial gains.

With over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and more than 500 AI leaders attending, the summit reflects how seriously governments worldwide are now taking the AI shift.

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PM Modi highlights responsible AI

PM Modi inaugurated the summit on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam, stressing India’s focus on building Artificial Intelligence that is responsible, inclusive, and meant to benefit society.

An official release noted that AI is being viewed as a key enabler of India’s development journey, supporting better governance and transforming how citizens access public services, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

The exhibition features participation from global technology firms, Indian startups, academic institutions, research bodies, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners.

More than 300 curated pavilions and live demonstrations are being organised, giving visitors a direct look at AI applications already being deployed in real-world settings.

Thirteen country pavilions highlight global partnerships

The summit is also emerging as a key platform for international cooperation.

Thirteen country pavilions are part of the summit, with nations such as Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African countries showcasing their AI work.

The wide mix of participants highlights India’s growing ambition to connect emerging economies with the world’s leading AI powers, and to build partnerships that go beyond borders.

People, Planet, Progress: How AI is being showcased

The summit’s exhibition is built around three themes - People, Planet, and Progress showing how AI is already making a difference across sectors.

• People
• Planet
• Progress

Startups and foundation models take centre stage

One of the summit’s biggest highlights is the participation of more than 600 high-potential startups building population-scale AI solutions. Under the IndiaAI Mission, India will showcase 12 homegrown foundation AI models built by local startups and research groups.

India’s AI ambition is getting bigger

With India’s AI market expected to cross $17 billion by 2027, the summit is being seen as more than a high-profile global event it is a clear sign of the country’s long-term plans in the AI space.