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India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together global leaders, innovators, startups, and policymakers to drive responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. The summit focuses on turning AI vision into real-world impact across nations and communities.
India to Host One of the World’s Largest AI Gatherings
New Delhi: The India AI Impact Summit, scheduled from February 16 to 20, 2026, in New Delhi, is expected to be the largest among all global AI summits held so far. The event reflects the rising global momentum around responsible, inclusive, and impact-driven Artificial Intelligence. With more than 35,000 registrations already received, the Summit has generated unprecedented international interest even before it begins.
Unlike earlier AI conferences that focused mainly on theory and policy discussions, the India AI Impact Summit will emphasize execution and outcomes. The central aim is to ensure that AI solutions lead to practical benefits on the ground, addressing real challenges in governance, industry, healthcare, education, and social development.
The Summit will see participation from over 100 countries, including 15–20 Heads of Government, more than 50 Ministers, and 40+ CEOs from leading Indian and global companies. Around 500 prominent figures from the global AI ecosystem, including innovators, researchers, and Chief Technology Officers, are expected to attend, making it a truly global platform for AI collaboration.
Ashwini Vaishnaw at India AI Summit
Highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship, the Summit will feature a startup showcase of over 500 AI startups. Alongside the main programme, nearly 500 parallel sessions will be conducted, making it one of the most comprehensive AI-focused global gatherings ever organized.
The scale of engagement ahead of the Summit has been equally impressive. More than 1,300 proposals were received for pre-Summit events, with over 500 events already conducted across India and globally. Additionally, the Summit framework includes seven flagship events, collectively engaging over 3 lakh participants, underlining the wide national and international interest in India’s AI initiative.
The global AI summit journey has evolved significantly—from an early focus on AI risks at Bletchley Park, to ethics and inclusion discussions in Seoul, and operational frameworks in Paris. The India AI Impact Summit represents the next step, showcasing India’s expanding influence and leadership in shaping global AI governance.
Adding depth to the Summit’s vision, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently highlighted India’s full-stack AI approach. Responding to questions from Dynamite News about engaging with middle powers such as Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland to avoid over-dependence on the US or China, Vaishnaw emphasized that India is building capabilities across every layer of the AI stack.
“We have to work on each and every layer of the AI stack,” he said, stressing that India cannot afford to ignore any critical component of AI development. He noted that India’s methodical, step-by-step approach is gaining global recognition, with a clear focus on developing strong capabilities in at least two of the five layers of the AI value chain.
With its scale, inclusivity, and focus on real-world impact, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is poised to become a defining moment in global AI governance. It firmly positions India not just as a participant, but as a leader shaping the future of responsible and impactful Artificial Intelligence.
