India-AI Impact Summit 2026: A Global Platform for Responsible AI
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held on February 19–20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). For the first time, a Global South nation is hosting such a large AI-focused event, highlighting India’s role as a global leader in ethical and inclusive AI adoption.
Vision and Guiding Principles The Summit is anchored on the Three Sutras:
1. People – ensuring AI respects human dignity, cultural diversity, and inclusion.
2. Planet – promoting resource-efficient AI for sustainability and climate resilience.
3. Progress – democratizing AI resources, data, and benefits for all.
These principles are implemented through Seven Thematic Chakras, including Human Capital, Inclusion, Safe & Trusted AI, Resilience, Science, Democratizing Resources, and AI for Social Good.
Key Initiatives
The Summit will feature:
* UDAAN Global AI Pitch Fest – showcasing startups worldwide.
* YuvaAI Innovation Challenge & AI by HER – encouraging youth and women innovators.
* Global Innovation Challenge – solving public interest issues.
* AI Expo – with 300+ exhibitors from 30+ countries.
* Research Symposium – sharing frontier AI research.
* Launch of 8 Indigenous Foundational Models – covering healthcare, agriculture, governance, multilingual AI, and material sciences.
* 570 Data & AI Labs Network – 30 launched as the first wave for FutureSkills training.
* IndiaAI Fellowship Programme – expanded to 13,500 scholars across disciplines.
Conclusion
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is not just a technological event but a visionary step toward making AI inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. By combining innovation with responsibility, India positions itself as a leader in shaping AI for people, planet, and progress.