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India | Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates India AI Impact Summit 2026

Pankaj Mukherjee, Senior Technology Correspondent

Pankaj Mukherjee

Senior Technology Correspondent · AI, startups & MeitY policy

3 min read

Quick summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Monday, emphasizing the nation's commitment to responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence. This five-day event, held at Bharat Mandapam, marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, gathering key global stakeholders to shape AI's future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on , focusing on responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence. The five-day summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, marks the first global AI event hosted in the Global South and aims to shape global AI governance and collaboration.

Event Highlights

The summit, hosted by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), is scheduled from to . Alongside the summit, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at the same venue, showcasing India's advancements in artificial intelligence. The Expo is open to the general public from .

Prime Minister's Address and Vision

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's unwavering commitment to developing and deploying Artificial Intelligence in a responsible and inclusive manner. The Prime Minister's inaugural address for the main summit is anticipated on . India's broader AI strategy is rooted in a vision to democratize technology for widespread benefit, according to government statements.

Significance for the Global South

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 holds particular significance as it is the first global AI event of its kind to be hosted in the Global South. This positioning aims to amplify the voice of nations in the Global South, ensuring that technological advancements and opportunities are shared broadly rather than concentrated in a few regions. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who will also speak at the summit, lauded India as a “very successful emerging economy” and an apt host to ensure that AI serves “everybody, everywhere.”

Key Themes and Participants

The summit aims to facilitate discussions on shaping AI for humanity, fostering inclusive growth, and ensuring a sustainable future. Deliberations are structured around three foundational pillars, known as 'Sutras': People, Planet, and Progress. The event brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including world leaders, industry captains, innovators, researchers, policymakers, startups, civil society representatives, and international organizations. Delegations from over 45 countries are participating, with more than 3,250 speakers scheduled to lead over 500 sessions throughout the five days.

Background

India is increasingly positioning itself as a pivotal platform for shaping the global Artificial Intelligence agenda. This summit underscores the nation's commitment to supporting shared standards, collaborative frameworks, and scalable solutions for the public good in the evolving landscape of AI governance and development.

Key Takeaways

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on .
  • The five-day event, emphasizing responsible and inclusive Artificial Intelligence, is the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South.
  • The summit, along with the India AI Impact Expo, brings together world leaders, industry experts, and researchers to discuss AI's transformative impact and global governance.
  • Key discussions are structured around the pillars of People, Planet, and Progress, aiming to ensure AI benefits every global citizen.

People Also Ask

  • Who inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on .

  • What is the duration and location of the summit?

    The summit is a five-day event, taking place from to , at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

  • Why is this summit significant for the Global South?

    The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is significant as it is the first global AI event hosted in the Global South, aiming to ensure technological advancements and opportunities are shared broadly.

  • What are the core themes of the India AI Impact Summit 2026?

    The summit is anchored on three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet, and Progress, guiding deliberations on shaping AI for humanity and inclusive growth.

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