The summit’s agenda includes a Leaders’ Plenary on AI governance, a global expo showcasing innovations, and a CEO roundtable focused on investments and research partnerships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Bharat Mandapam for the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. | IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday morning inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, formally opening one of the largest global gatherings on artificial intelligence. He is scheduled to welcome participating world leaders at the venue, with a family photograph planned for around 9:15 am.
The opening ceremony begins at about 9:40 am, according to the Prime Minister’s Office, with the PM’s address expected around 10:25 am. The summit comes at a time when AI is central to global policy, trade, and technology conversations, and India is positioning itself as a key voice in shaping that future.
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The inaugural session is expected to include addresses by French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with senior figures from global industry and technology sectors.
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After the formal launch, the Prime Minister will tour the India AI Impact Expo around 11 am. The expo features country pavilions showcasing AI-driven tools and emerging technologies from across the world.
At noon, he will participate in the Leaders’ Plenary session, where Heads of State, ministers, and representatives of multilateral organisations are set to discuss AI governance, infrastructure expansion, and international cooperation frameworks.
In the evening, beginning at 5:30 pm, Prime Minister Modi will join a CEO Roundtable with senior executives from global technology firms and industry groups.
The discussion is expected to centre on investment prospects, research collaborations, supply chain resilience, and the large-scale deployment of AI systems across sectors.
This is the fourth edition of the summit. Earlier meetings were held in the United Kingdom in 2023, South Korea in 2024, and France last year.
Like the previous editions, the idea is straightforward – bring governments, tech companies, and experts into the same room to talk through how artificial intelligence should be handled as it becomes more deeply woven into daily life and national policy.
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