India is set to host the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 in New Delhi, bringing together global policymakers, technology leaders, innovators and startups for a five-day dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence.
The summit is being projected as the first major AI convening of this scale in the Global South, with a focus on inclusive, responsible and resilient AI systems that balance innovation with public good.
Expo to showcase AI in action
Running parallel to the summit is the India AI Impact Expo 2026, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam. The expo is positioned as a national demonstration of AI in action rather than a conventional trade fair.
It will host over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations structured around three thematic pillars — People, Planet and Progress. More than 600 startups and 13 country pavilions are expected to participate, bringing together global technology firms, academia, research institutions and central as well as state governments.
PM Modi’s message and summit theme
Welcoming global delegates, Prime Minister Modi described the summit as a matter of immense pride for India, linking the event to the country’s youth potential and rapid progress in science and technology.
He also articulated the overarching theme as “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” — welfare for all and happiness for all — underscoring the government’s intent to position artificial intelligence as a tool for human-centric progress rather than purely commercial advancement.
Bringing the world together to discuss AI! Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit. The…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 16, 2026
Day one focus: AI for road safety
The opening day will begin with a detailed session on artificial intelligence for road safety, emphasising data-driven approaches to reduce accidents and improve mobility outcomes. Experts from the Ministry of Transport, IITs and multiple sectors are expected to discuss crash-pattern analytics, predictive risk modelling and scalable AI tools that can enable proactive interventions, safer driver training and hyperlocal safety solutions.
Learning, jobs and the future of work
Another major leadership session will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping education systems and redefining employability across industries.
Discussions are expected to centre on future skills, large-scale reskilling needs and how AI may simultaneously generate new job categories while rendering certain traditional roles obsolete, making adaptability a central theme.
AI in judiciary and social systems
The summit agenda also includes a dedicated session on transforming India’s judicial ecosystem through AI-enabled efficiency and transparency. Experts will deliberate on predictive analytics for informed decision-making, automated case management, virtual courts and legal research tools aimed at reducing backlog and improving access to justice. Parallel conversations will address culturally grounded AI and social norms, highlighting how technological systems often fail when they overlook behavioural diversity and local context.
Agriculture and climate-resilient innovation
A special session on smart and resilient agriculture will explore how artificial intelligence can support sustainable farming practices, climate adaptation and improved productivity.
From crop prediction and precision irrigation to research-led deployment models, the discussion will bring together policymakers, scientists and agri-tech innovators to demonstrate AI’s role in strengthening food security and farmer incomes.
Why this summit matters
Beyond individual panels, the AI Impact Summit marks India’s attempt to position itself as both a large-scale AI adopter and a global voice in responsible technology governance.
Built on multiple rounds of public consultations and international outreach, the event aims to advance partnerships, policy alignment and innovation that serves humanity while protecting the planet.
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