Pichai, Altman, Ambani among top names to attend India AI Impact Summit 2026

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South, will commence on Monday (February 16). The five-day event, running until February 20, is being positioned as the largest among the four global AI summits held to date. 

Anchored on three foundational pillars — People, Planet, and Progress — the summit will cover policy, research, industry and public engagement, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators, and experts to deliberate on AI’s role in governance, innovation and sustainable development. 

High-profile global participation 

The summit is expected to see participation from 15–20 heads of government, over 50 ministers and more than 40 Indian and global CEOs. 

Prominent attendees include Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google; Sam Altman of OpenAI; Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries; and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon, among others. The event will also witness the participation of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Sunak will deliver a keynote address at the curtain-raiser event titled ‘AI for All: Reimagining Global Cooperation’, focusing on AI governance, global cooperation, and building an inclusive digital future. 

Macron, during his visit from February 17 to 19, will hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. The two leaders will also jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 in Mumbai. 

Focus on AI safety, governance, and sovereign AI 

More than 700 sessions are planned over five days, with a strong emphasis on AI safety, governance, ethical use, data protection and India’s approach to sovereign AI. 

A key component of the summit is the AI Impact Expo, which will showcase practical AI applications across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education, climate action, energy efficiency and accessibility. This will feature over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries across 10 thematic pavilions. 

Global impact challenge finalists announced 

Ahead of the summit, organisers announced the finalists of three flagship Global Impact Challenges — AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi — aimed at advancing novel and impactful AI solutions aligned with global priorities. 

The challenges received over 4,650 applications from more than 60 countries. Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation by domain experts and industry leaders, the top 70 teams have been shortlisted. They will present their solutions at the Grand Finale and Awards Felicitation Ceremony on February 16 and 17 at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. 

Day-by-day agenda 

February 16 (Monday): The summit will begin with keynote addresses, expert roundtables, and policy-focused panel discussions. The India AI Expo will also be inaugurated. 

February 17 (Tuesday): High-level panel discussions will continue, alongside the launch of knowledge compendiums, including AI casebooks in health, energy, education, agriculture, gender empowerment, and disabilities. 

February 18 (Wednesday): A research symposium will showcase cutting-edge AI research by leading academics, researchers, and think tanks. Dedicated industry sessions will highlight real-world AI deployments and future-ready innovations. 

February 19 (Thursday): The formal opening ceremony, led by Prime Minister Modi, will take place. A high-level CEO Roundtable will bring together global industry leaders, investors and policymakers to deliberate on strategic priorities and responsible AI. 

February 20 (Friday): High-level GPAI Council meetings will convene member nations to review progress and strengthen multilateral cooperation on inclusive AI, culminating in the adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration. 

Traffic advisory and public transport measures 

The Delhi Police has issued an advisory announcing traffic restrictions on key arterial roads, including Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Janpath, Akbar Road, Safdarjung Road, Sher Shah Road, Subramania Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Teen Murti Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Marg, Firoz Shah Road, Shanti Path, and Satya Marg. 

Passengers travelling to the Indira Gandhi International Airport have been advised to use NH-48 and the Sector-22 Dwarka Tunnel. Railway passengers heading to New Delhi, Old Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin stations are advised to use the Ring Road, Ashram Chowk and Vande Mataram Marg corridors. Non-Delhi-bound vehicles will be diverted to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways. 

Authorities have urged the use of public transport, especially the Delhi Metro, which will operate normally. The Pragati Maidan metro station near Gate 10 has been identified as the most convenient entry point. 

Designated parking areas have been arranged at the Delhi Zoo, National Stadium, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with shuttle services operating to and from the summit venues. Telecom operators have also been directed to optimise networks around Bharat Mandapam to ensure uninterrupted mobile data services during the event.