New Delhi, India February 10, 2026 Here’s something you don’t see every day: China’s officially coming to the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The event, set for February 16–20 in New Delhi, marks a real shift in how the region handles tech diplomacy. It’s not just another conferenceChina’s RSVP signals that, even with all the usual geopolitical tension, the two countries see value in teaming up on artificial intelligence.
So what’s this summit all about? It’s a big deal a gathering of policymakers, researchers, industry heavyweights, and experts from around the world. The point is to hash out how AI should be governed, sketch out real-world ways to work together, and make sure the benefits don’t just get stuck in the hands of a few rich countries. China showing up means both sides are finally willing to talk, even if they’re still competitors.
Why China’s Involvement Stands Out
This is the first time Beijing has said yes to India’s flagship AI event. That alone says a lot. It shows the two sides are ready, at least a little, to move forward and talk about the tough stuff like how to build ethical, sustainable, and genuinely useful AI. According to Pratik Mathur, India’s Consul General in Shanghai, this is the result of months of diplomatic back-and-forth. It looks like it’s paying off.
China isn’t sending just a token delegation, either. Expect to see top officials and some of their best AI researchers in New Delhi. That’s a real signal: China wants a seat at the table when it comes to setting the rules for AI, data, and how emerging markets can get involved in shaping new tech.
What’s on the Agenda
India isn’t just throwing another tech party. The summit is set up as a global stage for figuring out how to actually govern AI, not just talk about it. The focus is on practical solutions, not endless hand-wringing. India wants to push the conversation past fear and hype, toward policies that link AI to real progress, inclusion, and fairness especially for countries in the Global South.
It’s not just China and India either. The U.S., France, and plenty of other big names will show up, making this one of the most ambitious AI gatherings around. Sessions will dig into everything from AI safety and jobs, to how countries can work together on tech and grow new innovation hubs.
Tech as a Diplomatic Bridge
China’s decision to jump in comes at a time when both sides are trying to cool things down and look for common ground, even with all the underlying rivalry. Experts say AI is turning into a bridge, not a battleground. By joining summits like this, countries can actually talk through what “responsible AI” means while still pushing for their own standards and priorities.
This move also puts India in the spotlight. The country’s fast-growing AI scene and its ability to bring together such a diverse crowd is turning it into a real player in global tech talks. By hosting everyone, India’s trying to make sure the rules for AI aren’t just written by a handful of powers, but reflect what the wider world needs.
With the summit just days away, everyone in the tech and policy world is watching. Will these conversations between rivals actually move the needle? Can they help build a shared vision for AI’s future? We’ll find out soon enough.
