In a historic first for the Global South, New Delhi hosts the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which opened Monday with staggering participation: over 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and 500 AI trailblazers. This five-day forum until February 20 is redefining global AI conversations around equity and sustainability.
Diverse attendees— from policymakers and CEOs to researchers and philanthropists—are dissecting AI’s role in fostering inclusive economies, robust governance, and green progress. PM Modi’s February 19 speech looms large, poised to galvanize international partnerships under India’s responsible AI leadership.
Innovation steals the show through three Global Impact Challenges: AI for All, AI by All, and Youth AI. A flood of 4,650 applications from 60+ countries led to 70 finalists, vetted by top experts. These teams pitch February 16-17 at premier venues, gaining access to elite networks of funders and influencers.
Day three brings a high-caliber research colloquium with IIT Hyderabad, drawing 250 papers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America on critical themes like AI-accelerated science, security protocols, fair resource distribution, and cross-regional collaborations. Keynotes from Estonia’s President Alar Karis and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will enrich debates with leading institutions.
As the summit unfolds, it’s clear India is not just participating in the AI revolution—it’s steering it toward a more just world, blending ambition with accountability.