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Indian policymakers want responsible AI deployment that benefits all segments of society & are using the platform to advocate collaboration between advanced & developing economies
Unlike earlier summits focused mainly on AI safety or governance, India’s AI Impact Summit blends practical innovation, policymaking, and international cooperation under one roof. (PTI)
India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026, in a historic moment for technology diplomacy and innovation, from February 16 in New Delhi, marking what organisers and experts call the largest global Artificial Intelligence gathering yet. A summit of this scale is being organised for the first time ever in the Global South, a development that underlines India’s ambition to shape the future of AI—not just as a user but as a central hub of policy, development and ethical deployment.
According to the World Bank, unlike previous AI events that were concentrated in Western capitals, the Delhi summit aims to blend innovation with inclusivity, drawing governments, global tech firms, start-ups, investors, researchers and civil society leaders to deliberate AI’s role in inclusive economic growth, governance and societal impact. Indian policymakers want responsible AI deployment that benefits all segments of society and are using the platform to advocate collaboration between advanced and developing economies.
Here are the key highlights that make the India summit the world’s largest:
• Five-day event: February 16-20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• Global participation: Leaders from over 20 countries, including heads of state expected to attend.
• Tech titan turnout: Over 40 global CEOs and industry chiefs such as Sundar Pichai (Google), Sam Altman (OpenAI), Demis Hassabis (DeepMind) and more.
• Industry reach: 100+ global CEOs and leaders from major tech firms expected.
• Start-up engagement: 600+ start-ups from around the world showcasing innovations.
• Scale of participation: Anticipated 2,50,000+ visitors, including policymakers, delegates, researchers and investors.
• Sessions & speakers: More than 700 sessions with 3,000+ speakers and panelists across policy, tech and industry tracks.
• Exhibition footprint: Spread over approximately 70,000 sq m with 300+ curated exhibitor pavilions.
• Thematic focus: Summit pillars include People, Planet, and Progress, emphasising AI for inclusive growth, ethical frameworks, sustainability, and economic impact.
Unlike earlier summits focused mainly on AI safety or governance, India’s AI Impact Summit blends practical innovation, policymaking, and international cooperation under one roof. With a record turnout of leaders and innovators, New Delhi has momentarily become the epicentre of the AI world, reflecting India’s rising strategic role in global technology discourse and its aspiration to democratise AI benefits for both developed and developing nations.
February 16, 2026, 14:55 IST
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