AI Impact Summit 2026: Why Global Tech CEOs and World Leaders Are Gathering in New Delhi

New Delhi is preparing to host one of the most significant global gatherings on artificial intelligence as the AI Impact Summit 2026 brings together technology leaders, heads of government, international organisations, policymakers and industry experts from across the world. Scheduled from February 16 to February 20 at Bharat Mandapam, the summit marks the first global AI event of this scale to be held in the Global South. 

With participation from leading technology companies, United Nations representatives and government delegations, the summit aims to shape discussions around responsible AI development, inclusive growth and real-world deployment of artificial intelligence across sectors.

AI Impact Summit 2026 Key Highlights and Major Developments Shaping the Global AI Agenda

• The AI Impact Summit 2026 will take place from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  
• The summit is guided by three core pillars — People, Planet and Progress.
  
• More than 700 sessions are planned focusing on AI safety, governance, ethical use and data protection.
  
• Global technology leaders including Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, Demis Hassabis and Dario Amodei are expected to attend.
  
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lead the formal opening ceremony and participate in a high-level CEO roundtable.
  
• Over 15–20 heads of state, more than 50 ministers and delegations from over 45 countries will participate.
  
• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and senior UN officials will join discussions, with more than 30 UN-led side events planned.
  
• The AI Impact Expo will showcase practical applications of artificial intelligence across healthcare, agriculture, education, climate action and governance.
  
• India’s expanding AI workforce, data scale and policy initiatives have positioned the country at the centre of global AI discussions.
  

India’s Growing Importance in the Global AI Ecosystem

The AI Impact Summit reflects India’s increasing role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Industry leaders have highlighted India’s strong digital infrastructure, large internet user base and rapidly expanding AI talent pool as key factors attracting global attention. With a vast service economy and large-scale technology adoption, India offers an environment where AI solutions can be tested and deployed across diverse real-world scenarios.

Analysts have noted that India is gradually moving from being primarily a service hub to becoming an important destination for AI innovation and deployment. The summit reinforces this transition by positioning India as a platform where technology, policy and market demand converge.

Why Global Technology CEOs Are Attending the Summit

The presence of senior executives from companies such as Google, OpenAI, Nvidia, Microsoft, Qualcomm and Anthropic highlights both strategic and business interest in India’s AI ecosystem. Technology firms investing heavily in artificial intelligence are looking for large markets where AI tools and services can be adopted at scale.

India’s IT services industry, enterprise sector and growing demand for digital transformation make it a significant opportunity for AI companies. In addition, government initiatives supporting AI infrastructure, education and research have strengthened confidence among global technology firms seeking long-term partnerships and expansion opportunities.

Industry experts have also pointed out that India’s diverse data environment and large user base make it an important testing ground for AI systems designed for global deployment.

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Participation of World Leaders and the United Nations

The summit is expected to witness participation from leaders representing countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Heads of state and government, along with ministerial delegations from more than 45 countries, are scheduled to attend at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will participate alongside senior officials from international organisations including the International Monetary Fund, International Labour Organization and International Telecommunication Union. The UN system plans to organise over 30 side events focusing on themes such as agriculture, health systems, gender equality, digital public infrastructure and disaster risk reduction, highlighting AI’s role in sustainable development.

These engagements aim to strengthen global cooperation on AI governance while ensuring innovation serves broader societal goals.

Agenda, Expo and Sectoral Discussions

The AI Impact Summit has been designed as a comprehensive five-day programme covering policy discussions, research presentations, industry engagement and public participation. A major highlight is the AI Impact Expo, spread across more than 70,000 square metres, featuring exhibitors from over 30 countries demonstrating AI applications across multiple sectors.

The summit agenda includes keynote sessions, expert roundtables and research symposiums. Knowledge compendiums on artificial intelligence in healthcare, agriculture, education, energy and other sectors are expected to be released during the event. Skilling initiatives such as AI for ALL, AI by HER, YUVAi and India AI Tinkerpreneur form part of the broader effort to build awareness and capacity among students and young professionals.

AI Governance, Policy Discussions and Ethical Concerns

Alongside opportunities, discussions at the summit will also address concerns related to AI governance and ethical deployment. Reports released ahead of the event have raised questions about surveillance technologies, facial recognition systems and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms.

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Experts have emphasised that innovation must be accompanied by transparency, accountability and safeguards to protect vulnerable communities. The summit is expected to serve as a platform for balancing technological advancement with responsible governance.

Industry Participation and AI Innovation in Practice

In addition to global technology companies, industry platforms and startups are expected to showcase domain-specific AI solutions. Legal intelligence platform Lexlegis, for instance, plans to demonstrate AI-powered tools aimed at improving legal research, compliance analysis and judicial analytics, highlighting how artificial intelligence is being adapted to strengthen institutional efficiency in emerging economies.

Such participation reflects a broader shift in global AI discussions from theoretical possibilities toward practical and measurable outcomes.

Spiritual Perspective: The Unique Knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji and the Meaning of True Human Progress

While the AI Impact Summit 2026 highlights rapid technological advancement and global cooperation, spiritual wisdom reminds humanity that true progress must remain centred on human welfare and moral responsibility. The teachings of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji emphasise that knowledge and innovation should serve the purpose of universal well-being, equality and peace.

According to His spiritual philosophy, material development alone cannot bring lasting happiness unless it is guided by ethical values and true spiritual understanding. In this context, the balanced use of technology for humanity’s benefit aligns with the broader message that real progress is achieved when scientific advancement is accompanied by righteousness, compassion and awareness of life’s higher purpose.

India’s Emerging Role in Shaping the Future of AI

The AI Impact Summit 2026 represents a significant moment in global technology dialogue as governments, industry leaders and international organisations come together to discuss the next phase of artificial intelligence development. By focusing on inclusive growth, sustainable innovation and real-world applications, the summit underscores India’s growing influence in shaping global AI priorities. 

As discussions move beyond high-level debates toward implementation and cooperation, the event highlights how developments emerging from India and the wider Global South are increasingly influencing the direction of artificial intelligence worldwide.

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