India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026, bringing together top government officials, tech leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, including its impact on jobs, safety, and global cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day summit, emphasizing India’s technological progress and the potential of its youth to drive innovation.
Global Leaders and Tech Executives Participate
This year, the summit expects 250,000 participants, including 20 national leaders and 45 ministerial-level delegations. The event addresses how AI continues to transform economies, reshape labor markets, and challenge global regulations.
Attendees include French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and tech executives such as Sundar Pichai (Google), Sam Altman (OpenAI), Brad Smith (Microsoft), Cristiano Amon (Qualcomm), and Yann LeCun (AMI Labs).
India’s Role in AI Development
India positions itself as a bridge between advanced economies and the Global South. Officials highlight India’s experience in building large-scale digital infrastructure, such as digital identity systems and payment platforms, as a model for deploying AI efficiently and affordably.
Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said:
“Our goal is clear: AI should help shape humanity, support inclusive growth, and ensure a sustainable future.”
Themes and Expected Outcomes
The summit focuses on three themes: People, Progress, Planet. While the event will not produce binding agreements, it may result in a nonbinding declaration outlining shared goals for AI development and governance.
Experts expect discussions to focus on balancing innovation with regulation, ensuring governments create safeguards without slowing AI growth. India aims to foster global partnerships and increase AI investments, enhancing its influence in the global AI landscape.
