From presidents and prime ministers to tech CEOs and researchers, the world has landed in India’s capital for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, turning Bharat Mandapam into the centre of global AI conversations. This is the first major AI summit hosted in the Global South, and India is positioning itself not just as a participant but as a rule-maker in the AI era. PM Modi: “Bringing the World Together” Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed global leaders and industry heads ahead of the summit’s inauguration, calling the moment a proud one for India. Highlighting the theme — “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” (welfare for all, happiness for all) — PM Modi stressed that AI must serve humanity. He added, “Thanks to the 1.4 billion people of India, our nation stands at the forefront of the AI transformation. From digital public infrastructure to a vibrant Startup ecosystem and cutting-edge research, our strides in AI reflect both ambition and responsibility.” Calling the global turnout a sign of India’s rising tech influence, he noted, “This also shows the capability of our country’s youth.” Watch the full details of the summit in the video shared by the Ministry of External Affairs Who all are in attendance? The summit has drawn delegations from over 45 countries. Among the prominent global figures attending are French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Tech industry leaders from companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Zoom, Kyndryl, and Adobe are also present, along with startup founders, researchers, and policymakers. Meanwhile, Bill Gates, founder and chair of the Gates Foundation, arrived in Andhra Pradesh ahead of related engagements. He was received at Gannavaram Airport by state minister Nara Lokesh and other officials. His aircraft reportedly circled briefly due to dense fog before landing. What is India bringing to the table? Under the IndiaAI Mission, the government has committed ₹10,372 crore to build a strong AI ecosystem. Over 38,000 GPUs have been added for shared computing access. Twelve indigenous foundation models are being developed, and more than 30 India-focused AI applications have already been approved. The government is also investing heavily in talent development, supporting thousands of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students in AI-related fields. The AI Impact Expo, spread across 70,000 square metres, showcases AI use cases in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services, showing how the technology can directly improve everyday life. Also read: 50+ global CEOs to attend India AI Impact Summit 2026 What’s on the agenda? Discussions at the summit revolve around: There is also a focus on emerging areas like quantum computing, digital infrastructure partnerships, and global AI governance frameworks. Why this summit matters for India Hosting such a high-level global AI gathering signals India’s growing influence in technology and digital policy. It also strengthens India’s position as a bridge between advanced economies and developing nations in shaping AI rules. More importantly, it gives India a chance to align global AI discussions with its own priorities, including inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable development. Post navigation Sensex gains 150 points to 82,800 level:Nifty rises 50 points; buying in Energy IT shares RBI’s new rules send capital market stocks into a tailspin:BSE, Angel One and Groww fall by about 10%
