Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday, February 19, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, according to an official statement released on Wednesday.
The high-profile global summit will bring together Heads of State, ministers, industry leaders, academicians, and technology experts to deliberate on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact across sectors.
The Prime Minister will commence his engagements on Wednesday evening at around 7 PM by welcoming leaders from participating countries at Bharat Mandapam. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
On Thursday morning at approximately 9:40 AM, Modi will attend and address the Opening Ceremony of the Summit. The ceremony will also feature addresses by the President of France, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and leading global industry figures.
A Leaders’ Plenary Session, slated for around noon, will convene Heads of State, ministers, and senior representatives from multilateral institutions. Discussions are expected to focus on shaping national and international priorities in AI, including governance models, infrastructure expansion, and frameworks for global cooperation.
Earlier in the day, at about 11 AM, the Prime Minister and other global leaders will tour the India AI Impact Expo 2026. The expo will showcase cutting-edge innovations and AI-driven solutions across country pavilions.
Later in the evening, beginning at 5:30 PM, Modi will participate in a CEO roundtable. The session will bring together senior executives from global technology and industry firms, along with government representatives, to discuss AI investments, research partnerships, supply chain resilience, and deployment strategies.
The theme of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 — “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay” (welfare for all, happiness for all) — underscores India’s vision of leveraging AI for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Seven working groups will guide the Summit’s agenda under three core pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. These groups will focus on measurable outcomes across key themes, including AI for Economic Growth and Social Good; Democratizing AI Resources; Inclusion for Social Empowerment; Safe and Trusted AI; Human Capital; Science; and Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency.
The Summit is expected to attract more than 500 global AI leaders, including CEOs and CXOs, around 100 founders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 CTOs, vice presidents, and philanthropists. Participation will also include over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 Heads of State and Government and approximately 60 ministers.
The event highlights India’s growing ambition to shape global discourse on emerging technologies while ensuring that AI development remains ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.