Bharat's Bold AI Bet: 100+ Nations, Mega Minds Unite for Tomorrow's Tech |

Updated: February 16, 2026 21:32

Image Source: Mint

India's AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi draws over 250,000 attendees from 100+ countries, including top CEOs like Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and world leaders, showcasing the nation's rising dominance in artificial intelligence governance, innovation, and inclusive growth. PM Modi inaugurated the event, emphasizing ethical AI for humanity's benefit amid rapid tech advancements.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted from February 15-20 at Bharat Mandapam, marks the first time this global forum unfolds in a developing nation. It amplifies voices from emerging economies on AI ethics, regulations, and equitable access. Organizers project massive participation, with 500+ sessions across themes of people, planet, and progress, fostering partnerships in a sector poised to hit USD 17 billion in India by 2027.

Key highlights from the summit

250,000+ visitors including international delegates and 13 country pavilions from nations like Japan, UK, and France
Over 3,250 speakers debating AI in healthcare, defense, climate, and job markets
India unveils 12 indigenous foundation models supporting 22 official languages under IndiaAI Mission

Stellar Lineup of Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off proceedings, highlighting India's youth-driven tech surge.
Global figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Lula da Silva join tech titans such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, and Reliance's Mukesh Ambani.
Sam Altman noted India as OpenAI's second-largest user base with 100 million weekly ChatGPT users.

Major announcements and focuses

Expected 15+ tangible outcomes like AI access declarations and seven stakeholder documents
OpenAI commits to "building AI in India, with India, for India" via free tools
300+ side events and pre-summit activities across 25+ countries

India's AI Leadership Surge

This unprecedented attendance underscores India's shift from AI adopter to global leader, bridging policy and innovation. With infrastructure upgrades and invitations to partners like China, the summit eyes inclusive growth, sustainability, and shared standards. It positions India at the forefront of AI's transformative potential worldwide.

Sources: Al Jazeera, NDTV, Times of India, Hindustan Times, OMMCOM News

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