India launched its grandest AI summit on 16 February 2026, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit and Expo at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Labeled as the first major global AI event hosted by the Global South, it spotlights practical applications in healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance under the mantra, “People, Planet, Progress.”
The 5-day extravaganza features over 600 high-potential startups and pavilions from 13 countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and Africa. Modi toured stalls, engaging innovators and understanding India’s AI ecosystem. From digital infrastructure to blooming startups and cutting-edge research.
In a pre-summit interview, Modi declared, “Data centres will be a massive job creator for our youth. We invite the whole world’s data to reside in India.” He hailed the nation’s expanding computing power and data centers as foundations for a thriving AI culture. On X, Modi welcomed attendees, “The theme of the Summit is Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human-centric progress.” He added confidence that outcomes would shape a “progressive, innovative and opportunity-driven” future.
Bringing the world together to discuss AI!
Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit. The…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 16, 2026
Global tech leaders, including OpenAI and Google executives, joined world leaders, amplifying the voices of developing nations in AI governance. Day 2, 17 February 2026, themes include applied AI, social equity, and panels with UN’s Amandeep Singh Gill and NITI Aayog’s Amitabh Kant.
Yet, the opening day drew sharp online backlash for chaos at the venue. Attendees faced long queues, overcrowding, and confusion from vague instructions at the venue. Additionally, there was poor signage and limited seating amid expected crowds of 250,000. Delegates scrambled to reclaim belongings after abrupt evacuations for VIP security sweeps, while some Tuesday speakers awaited session confirmations.
Journalists vented in WhatsApp groups over entry issues, including separate digital QR codes and missing physical passes, which cost them hours worth of coverage. What added to the mess are heavy traffic around the area and logistical delays. But organizers pressed on with keynotes, panels, and roundtables.
The summit pushes sovereign AI models, democratized access, and scalable solutions, positioning India as a key player in ethical and inclusive tech. Central Banker Sanjay Malhotra urged, “AI is happening, it is relentless, if you don’t do AI, AI will be done to you… Set a personal target of learning how to use three AI platforms within the next three months.”
As discussions evolve through February 20, expect breakthroughs in collaboration and policy. For a nation balancing ambition and execution, this summit tests India’s readiness to lead AI’s next chapter.
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