Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026 today, February 16, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the start of a landmark five-day event focused on harnessing AI for global good. The gathering unites over 650 exhibitors from 30+ countries, including tech giants like NVIDIA, Google, and OpenAI, to showcase innovations in healthcare, agriculture, education, and sustainability.
Detailed Schedule
The summit spans February 16-20, structured around three pillars: People, Planet, and Progress.
- February 16 (Inauguration Day): High-impact keynotes and policy panels set the tone; PM Modi’s address highlights India’s AI leadership. The 50,000 sqm expo opens with 10 thematic pavilions, B2B matchmaking, and investor forums.
- February 18: Research Symposium features academics on cutting-edge AI; industry sessions demo scalable solutions from startups and leaders.
- February 19-20 (Main Plenaries): Formal opening by PM Modi; CEO Roundtable with global execs; Leaders’ Plenary for commitments and partnerships. Outputs include a Leaders’ Declaration on ethical AI.
Key Participants and Themes
Expected attendees include Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang, alongside policymakers, researchers, startups, and NGOs. Discussions emphasize Global South priorities: ethical AI, energy-efficient tech, skilling 1 crore Indians, and bridging digital divides. Side events cover women-led innovation and youth challenges.
Strategic Importance
Hosted under the IndiaAI Mission by MeitY, the summit positions India as a Global South AI hub, fostering $10B+ investments and collaborations. It follows PM Modi’s announcements at global forums, aiming for inclusive growth amid rapid AI adoption.
