India | PM Modi Inaugurates India AI Impact Expo 2026 in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo on February 16, 2026, in New Delhi, marking the commencement of the India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The event is expected to draw global tech leaders and representatives from approximately 20 countries, aiming to showcase India's advancements and potential in artificial intelligence.

Event Highlights

The India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026, hosted at Bharat Mandapam, began today and is scheduled to run until February 20, 2026. The Expo serves as a national demonstration of AI in action, bringing together policy, practice, innovation, and technology. It will feature over 300 exhibition pavilions, live demonstrations, and more than 600 high-potential startups. Additionally, 13 country pavilions are showcasing international collaboration within the AI ecosystem.

Official Statement and Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo today at 5 PM. In a social media post, the Prime Minister expressed "immense pride" that global delegates have gathered in India, stating that the summit reflects the capability of the country's youth and its rapid progress in science and technology. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is hosting the broader India AI Impact Summit 2026, envisioned as a leading global AI forum to drive inclusive, impactful, and action-oriented AI through global collaboration. This summit is positioned as the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South.

Broader Context of India's AI Push

The summit underscores India's strategic focus on establishing itself as a significant player in the global artificial intelligence landscape. This initiative is part of broader efforts, including plans to develop a massive 'data city' in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which has secured substantial investments, such as a $15 billion investment by Google for its largest AI infrastructure hub outside the US and an $11 billion investment by a joint venture involving Reliance Industries, Brookfield, and Digital Realty for an AI data center.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo in New Delhi on February 16, 2026.
• The Expo is a part of the India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026, hosted at Bharat Mandapam until February 20, 2026.
• The event is expected to attract global tech leaders and delegates from approximately 20 countries, showcasing India's AI capabilities and fostering international collaboration.
• The summit highlights India's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence for human-centric progress and positioning itself as a global AI hub, particularly as the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South.

People Also Ask

• What is the India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026?

  It is a five-day event that commenced in New Delhi on February 16, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the Expo. The summit and expo aim to showcase India's advancements and potential in artificial intelligence to a global audience.

• Where is the India AI Impact Summit and Expo being held?

  The event is being hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, according to event details.

• Who inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo?

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on February 16, 2026.

• What is the significance of this summit for India?

  The summit is expected to draw global tech leaders and representatives from approximately 20 countries, highlighting India's growing role and capabilities in artificial intelligence. It also positions India as a key platform for shaping the global AI agenda and as the first-ever global AI summit in the Global South.

Last updated: February 16, 2026 09:32