The India–AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global artificial intelligence summit to be hosted in the Global South, will take place from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, technology firms, startups, researchers and domain experts to deliberate on the use of AI in governance, innovation and sustainable development. 

“Taking forward outcomes from major international AI forums, India’s approach through the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 will focus on translating global discussions into development outcomes aligned with national priorities under the IndiaAI mission and Digital India Initiative. It will strengthen multilateral cooperation while advancing practical, people-centric AI frameworks relevant to India’s governance, economy, and society,” said an official release.

The government sees AI as a key tool to achieve inclusive development and support the vision of a developed India by 2047. With its many languages and cultures, India is well placed to build AI systems that work across regions and serve diverse public needs.

Visible impact of AI

AI is already making a visible impact across sectors in India. In healthcare, AI tools are helping doctors reach rural areas through telemedicine, faster diagnostics, and disease prediction.

In agriculture, AI supports farmers with weather alerts, crop monitoring through drones, and market price forecasts in local languages. In education, AI platforms personalize learning and remove language barriers. In finance, AI helps detect fraud, improve digital payments, and expand access to credit. AI is also improving public services by speeding up government processes and translating court judgments into regional languages.

“The summit will be anchored on three foundational pillars, known as 'Sutras'—a Sanskrit term meaning guiding principles or essential threads that weave together wisdom and action. These Sutras define how AI can be harnessed through multilateral cooperation for collective benefit,” the release said.

Multiple events during the summit

Several events will take place around the summit, including regional AI conferences across Indian states, global challenges for startups, women innovators, and youth, a research symposium, and a large AI expo. The summit is expected to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for responsible and impactful AI innovation.