India AI Impact Summit 2026: The AI Event That Could Redefine India’s Global Power

India is set to take centre stage in the global AI conversation as it prepares to host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 19 to 20. Centered on People, Planet and Progress, the summit will spotlight how artificial intelligence can deliver real-world, inclusive and sustainable impact worldwide.

India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 19–20, 2026 - a major global gathering focused on how artificial intelligence can serve People, Planet, and Progress. This summit aims to shift AI conversation from principles to concrete real-world applications, especially for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The event, driven by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission, will bring together policymakers, tech innovators, researchers and civil society to explore responsible, equitable and impactful AI solutions spanning health, education, environment and economic empowerment. 

As India pushes forward its vision for responsible AI, skilled talent in data science, artificial intelligence and generative AI is becoming critical. Translating global AI discussions into real-world impact requires strong technical and analytical expertise. Structured learning in these areas helps professionals build and deploy ethical, scalable AI solutions.

What Is the AI Impact Summit 2026?

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is a major global artificial intelligence summit hosted by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission (Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, MeitY). It is designed to bring together world leaders, policymakers, industry experts, researchers, innovators, and startups to shape the future of responsible, inclusive, and impactful AI.

This Summit builds on India’s engagement in international AI dialogues and follows global AI summits such as those in Paris, Seoul, and the UK

Dates, Venue & Format

• Main Summit Dates: 19–20 February 2026 (core conference)
• Extended Activities: 16–20 February 2026 (including pre-events, forums, youth and research sessions)
• Research Symposium: 18 February 2026 on AI & its Impact
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India
• For official details, agenda, registration, and updates: impact.indiaai.gov.in – official summit portal

Key Focus: People, Planet, Progress

• People: Ensuring AI benefits all sections of society from healthcare to education.
• Planet: Promoting AI that supports environmental sustainability.
• Progress: Driving equitable economic and social development through technology.

Summit Structure and Key Initiatives

The summit will involve a structured agenda guided by seven thematic Chakras working groups focused on actionable outcomes:

1. Human Capital & Inclusion
2. Safe & Trusted AI
3. Innovation & Resilience
4. Democratizing AI Resources
5. Economic Growth & Social Good
6. Science & Research
7. Social Empowerment and Inclusion

Global Participation and Pre-Summit Momentum

To build momentum ahead of the main summit, over 300 pre-summit events have been organised across more than 25 countries, attracting diverse global perspectives. Initiatives like YUVAi, AI by HER, and AI for All challenges have drawn participation from thousands of innovators worldwide, fostering inclusive engagement from the Global South and beyond.

International briefings, such as those co-hosted by Seattle University and the Indian Consulate in Seattle, have highlighted India’s AI strategy focused on social good and sustainable development, further strengthening global collaboration.

Who Is Attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026?

The Summit is expected to assemble a wide range of participants:

• Heads of state & global leaders from multiple countries (including invitations extended to countries like China and others)
• Policy makers & regulators from around the world
• CEOs & technology leaders (reports suggest representation from 100+ CEOs including global tech companies)
• AI researchers and academic experts
• Startups & innovators
• Civil society and non-profit leaders
• Media and global institutions

Pre-Summit & Regional Activities

Ahead of the main summit in New Delhi, several regional and pre-summit events are being conducted across India to fuel momentum, including:

• Regional AI Impact Conferences (e.g., in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) to align state-level AI strategies and showcase AI use cases.
• Research Symposium on AI impact (18 Feb 2026).
• Youth, innovation, and challenge forums (like YUVAI: Global Youth Challenge).

Why India’s Role in AI Matters

Hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 places India at the heart of global AI policy and innovation conversations. With a rapidly growing digital ecosystem and expanding research and startup landscape, India’s leadership aims to demonstrate how AI can be used responsibly to address societal challenges. The summit underscores India’s commitment to shaping AI governance that is inclusive, ethical and sustainable.

Conclusion

The AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi marks a defining moment for India and the world as they converge to shape the future of artificial intelligence. Moving beyond theoretical frameworks, the summit will focus on implementing AI solutions that deliver measurable benefits across society, environment and economy. As discussions evolve into action, developing relevant data science and AI skills will be critical for professionals, businesses and nations eager to lead in this transformative technological era.