The India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, is set to become the largest global summit on artificial intelligence hosted to date. The event reflects growing international momentum around responsible, inclusive and impact-driven AI, with a strong focus on translating global vision into real-world implementation.
Scale and Global Participation
The summit has already recorded over 35,000 registrations, signalling unprecedented global interest. Participants are expected from more than 100 countries, including governments, industry leaders, researchers, civil society organisations and international institutions. The event is likely to witness participation from 15 to 20 Heads of Government, over 50 Ministers, more than 40 CEOs of leading global and Indian companies, and around 500 prominent figures from the global AI ecosystem.
Focus on Impact and Real-World Applications
Unlike earlier global AI discussions centred largely on risks and ethics, the India AI Impact Summit places emphasis on execution and outcomes. The agenda is designed to showcase practical applications of AI across sectors such as governance, industry, healthcare, education and climate action. Organisers have positioned the summit as a platform to operationalise shared global principles into deployable solutions.
Startups, Sessions and Pre-Summit Momentum
A major highlight of the summit will be a startup showcase featuring over 500 AI startups from India and abroad. Nearly 500 sessions are scheduled alongside the main programme, making it one of the most comprehensive AI convenings globally. Preparatory activities have also gained traction, with over 1,300 proposals received for pre-summit events and more than 500 such events already conducted across India and internationally.
Important Facts for Exams
- India AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi from February 16–20.
- The summit focuses on responsible, inclusive and impact-driven AI.
- Over 35,000 registrations have been recorded ahead of the event.
- It follows earlier global AI discussions at Bletchley Park, Seoul and Paris.
India’s Role in Global AI Governance
The summit framework includes seven flagship events that have collectively engaged more than three lakh participants, reflecting strong national and international interest. The evolving global AI process has progressed from risk assessment at Bletchley Park, to ethics and inclusion in Seoul, and operationalisation in Paris. The India AI Impact Summit underscores India’s expanding role in shaping global AI discourse. Media accreditation for the summit is currently open, with applications to be submitted online by February 8, 2026.