India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to be held in New Delhi from February 16–20
India will host the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the first global Artificial Intelligence summit to be hosted in the Global South. The summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and innovators to deliberate on the role of Artificial Intelligence in governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a key enabler in India’s development journey, supporting improved governance, inclusive growth, and enhanced public service delivery. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, India’s approach to AI focuses on people-centric and development-oriented deployment, leveraging the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity to advance multilingual and multimodal AI systems.
Building on outcomes from major international AI forums, the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to translate global discussions into practical development outcomes aligned with national priorities under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India Initiative. The summit will also strengthen multilateral cooperation on responsible and ethical use of AI.
AI as a Development Enabler
AI is increasingly playing a transformative role across key sectors in India. In healthcare, AI-enabled remote diagnostics, telemedicine, and medical image analysis are improving access and outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Predictive analytics are supporting disease surveillance, while AI-driven drug discovery is contributing to more affordable treatments.
In agriculture and the rural economy, AI-powered tools such as weather prediction, pest forecasting, precision farming, and drone-based monitoring are enhancing productivity and farmer incomes. Initiatives offering real-time advisories in regional languages are helping farmers make data-driven decisions.
AI is also reshaping education through personalised learning platforms, AI-driven tutoring, and language translation tools that improve accessibility across diverse learner groups. In finance and commerce, AI-based fraud detection, credit assessment, and customer service systems are strengthening financial inclusion and transaction security.
In governance and public services, AI-assisted translation of court judgments, smart city management systems, and improved case management in the judiciary are enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
Three Sutras and Seven Chakras Framework
The summit will be anchored on three foundational principles, referred to as Sutras, guiding multilateral cooperation for impact-oriented AI deployment. These principles will be operationalised through seven Chakras, representing key areas of collaboration.
The Chakras focus on human capital development, social inclusion, safe and trusted AI, resilience and sustainability, scientific research, democratisation of AI resources, and AI for economic growth and social good. Together, they provide a framework for aligning global AI strategies with inclusive and sustainable outcomes.
Key Events and Programmes
The summit will feature a series of pre-summit events, regional AI conferences across eight Indian states, and thematic sessions during the main summit. Over 700 proposals have been received from global stakeholders, reflecting strong international engagement.
Key highlights include the release of the AI Compendium on February 17, documenting real-world AI applications across priority sectors, and multiple flagship initiatives such as AI for All, AI by HER, and YUVAi, aimed at promoting scalable solutions, women-led innovation, and youth participation.
A Research Symposium on AI and its Impact will be held on February 18 with IIIT Hyderabad as the knowledge partner. The India AI Impact Expo 2026, spread across more than 70,000 square metres, will showcase large-scale AI deployments and is expected to attract over 1.5 lakh visitors and more than 400 exhibitors.
Institutional Support
The summit is supported by key government institutions, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the IndiaAI Mission, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and the Digital India Initiative. Their involvement ensures alignment with national policies, ecosystem development, and translation of summit outcomes into actionable programmes.
Expected Outcomes
The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to strengthen AI governance frameworks, promote skill development, assess regional readiness for AI-led growth, and foster sustained partnerships between government, academia, startups, and industry. The summit aims to position India as a global hub for responsible and inclusive AI innovation while advancing national self-reliance in AI infrastructure, talent, and indigenous solutions.
By placing Artificial Intelligence at the centre of its development strategy, India seeks to demonstrate how AI can be harnessed as a tool for inclusive growth, improved governance, and long-term societal benefit.
