The India AI Impact Summit 2026, ongoing at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, is focused on exploring how artificial intelligence can serve the public and advance inclusive growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on the second day of the five-day event. Sharing his thoughts on X, Modi highlighted that intelligence, rationality, and effective decision-making ensure that science and technology deliver real benefits to society, with AI playing a key role in this transformation.
The summit, which began on Monday, has assembled an impressive gathering of over 100 government officials—including more than 20 heads of state and 60 ministers or vice ministers—alongside 500 global AI experts, including CEOs, founders, researchers, academicians, CTOs, and leaders of philanthropic organisations. This marks the first summit of such scale held in the Global South, aiming to foster AI-driven sustainable development and strengthened public systems.
A central highlight of the event is the Global Impact Challenges, including AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi. These competitions, designed to promote inclusive and responsible AI solutions, received over 4,650 entries from more than 60 countries. Following rigorous multi-stage evaluations by experts and policymakers, 70 finalist teams have been selected, who will now engage with global leaders and investors to scale their solutions nationally and internationally.
The Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact, held in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, serves as the summit’s primary academic forum. Featuring approximately 250 research submissions from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the symposium convenes global AI pioneers and leading institutions to discuss AI-driven scientific discovery, governance frameworks, equitable computing access, and research collaboration across the Global South. Distinguished attendees include Estonia’s President Alar Karis and India’s Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Additionally, the summit coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, aimed at strengthening the India-France strategic partnership. Welcomed by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor Acharya Devvrat, Macron will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi and jointly inaugurate India – France Year of Innovation 2026, further boosting collaboration in business, technology, culture, and digital sectors.
