On February 16, the AI Impact Summit 2026 officially opened in New Delhi, marking an important moment for global dialogue on artificial intelligence, innovation, governance, and workforce development.
The five-day summit, being held at Bharat Mandapam, brings together policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, and innovators from around the world. It represents a significant step for India as it positions itself as a major hub for responsible and inclusive AI development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit and spoke about India’s evolving role in global AI cooperation. He emphasised that India aims to lead international collaboration in AI while focusing strongly on skill development and economic opportunities for millions of young people.
Summit Overview — What You Need to Know
The AI Impact Summit 2026 is being held from February 16 to 20 in New Delhi. Notably, this is the first time a major global AI summit of this scale is being hosted in the Global South — highlighting India’s rising influence in shaping technology policy and innovation frameworks.
Key Highlights of the Summit
- Hosted by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission
- Held alongside the India AI Impact Expo 2026
- Participation from over 100 countries
- More than 500 sessions covering AI governance, ethics, innovation, and social impact
- Attendance by world leaders, ministers, CEOs, academics, and emerging startups
The summit focuses on responsible AI, future skills, workforce preparedness, ethical frameworks, and bridging technological innovation with social good.
PM Modi’s Message — Skills, AI Ethics and Inclusive Growth
In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi reflected on India’s young population and the opportunities emerging in the AI era. He outlined several key priorities:
- The importance of developing future-ready skills to ensure young Indians remain competitive in an AI-driven world
- The need for AI practices grounded in human values and designed to strengthen, not disrupt, social cohesion
- India’s commitment to promoting inclusive, collaborative, and human-centric AI development
He also highlighted the growing importance of digital infrastructure, including data centres, as key pillars of India’s expanding digital economy. These are expected to generate employment and support long-term economic growth.
Global Tech Leaders and Core Themes at the Summit
The summit has drawn major figures from the global technology industry and multinational corporations.
Industry leaders, including CEOs of major AI companies, are participating to underline India’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem.
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Major Discussion Themes Include:
- AI governance and regulatory frameworks
- Workforce transitions in an AI-augmented economy
- Ensuring equitable access to technology
- Cross-border innovation and collaboration
- Lifelong learning and continuous upskilling
Industry experts noted that while AI may transform certain job roles, retraining and education can unlock new opportunities and enable smoother workforce transitions worldwide.
What’s Happening on the Ground — Sessions, Security and Access
H3: Daily Sessions and Focus Areas
Each day of the summit features keynote speeches, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, roundtables, and cross-sector workshops.
Core focus areas include:
- Responsible and trustworthy AI
- Sustainable and inclusive digital growth
- AI for economic development and social progress
- Global best practices in AI governance
The India AI Impact Expo running alongside the summit showcases emerging technologies and startup innovations across sectors.
Security and Logistical Arrangements
Given the scale and international participation, extensive security measures have been implemented. Delhi Police and security agencies are using advanced AI-enabled CCTV systems and comprehensive crowd management strategies to ensure safety throughout the event.
Why This Summit Matters — A Turning Point for Future Skills
One of the strongest themes across discussions is future skills development — preparing individuals to succeed in AI-enhanced workplaces.
Global leaders and Indian policymakers agree on several priorities:
- Expanding AI literacy at scale
- Providing young people with market-ready digital skills
- Increasing access to AI training programs
- Combining digital infrastructure with human capacity building
India’s ambition to become a global AI leader depends not just on technology, but also on building a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of driving innovation forward.
Conclusion — India at the Forefront of Global AI Dialogue
The AI Impact Summit 2026 marks a significant milestone in India’s participation in global technology conversations. By hosting this summit, India is not only contributing to frameworks for future AI development but also advancing:
- Collaborative innovation
- Ethical governance
- Inclusive economic opportunities
- Stronger global partnerships
As discussions continue over the coming days, India’s influence in shaping global AI policy and promoting human-centered technological development is expected to grow even stronger.
