The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 has officially commenced in New Delhi, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, researchers, technology companies, and global institutions for a five-day dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence. The event is being described as a landmark moment, as it is the first global AI summit of this scale to be hosted in the Global South.
With participation from more than 100 countries and over two lakh online registrations, the summit highlights India’s growing role in shaping international conversations on technology governance, innovation, and ethical AI development.
A Defining Moment for India’s AI Leadership
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries across the globe. From healthcare diagnostics and climate modelling to education, manufacturing, and digital governance, AI is becoming a central pillar of economic growth and social development. As a result, global coordination has become increasingly important.
By hosting this summit, India positions itself not only as a fast-growing digital economy but also as a responsible stakeholder in global AI governance. The summit aims to build shared standards, collaborative frameworks, and scalable solutions that can serve both developed and developing nations.
Officials have stated that the event is designed to strengthen India’s role as a convenor and bridge-builder between nations, especially on issues related to inclusive and ethical AI.
Participation from World Leaders
The summit has drawn significant international attention. Leaders from twenty nations are scheduled to attend, alongside ministerial delegations from over 45 countries. Senior representatives from international organisations and the United Nations are also participating.
Among the prominent attendees are:
- President of France, Emmanuel Macron
- President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez
- President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin
- Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof
- Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam
- President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka
- Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay
In addition, leaders and representatives from countries such as Bolivia, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Guyana, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Serbia, and Slovakia are participating in various sessions.
The wide representation reflects the global importance of artificial intelligence and the need for coordinated international policy approaches.
Three Core Pillars: People, Planet, and Progress
The summit is guided by three foundational principles, referred to as the Sutras: People, Planet, and Progress.
The “People” pillar focuses on ensuring that AI development remains human-centered. This includes prioritising education, skill development, fairness, and the protection of individual rights.
The “Planet” pillar highlights the need for sustainable AI solutions. As AI systems require large amounts of computing power and energy, discussions will explore how to reduce environmental impact while promoting innovation.
The “Progress” pillar encourages technological advancement and economic growth. It emphasizes how AI can drive productivity, strengthen digital infrastructure, and support emerging economies.
Together, these pillars form the philosophical foundation of the summit’s agenda.
Seven Thematic Working Groups
To ensure structured and practical discussions, the summit is organised into seven interconnected working groups, known as Chakras. These Chakras focus on:
- Human Capital – Developing AI skills and workforce readiness
- Inclusion for Social Empowerment – Using AI to reduce inequality
- Safe and Trusted AI – Building ethical, transparent, and secure systems
- Science – Advancing research collaboration
- Resilience – Strengthening digital systems against disruptions
- Innovation and Efficiency – Promoting productivity through AI adoption
- Democratising AI Resources and AI for Economic Development and Social Good
Each working group will produce recommendations aimed at building long-term international cooperation.
Focus on Inclusive Growth
One of the central themes of the summit is ensuring that AI benefits are shared widely. Many developing nations face challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, lack of skilled talent, and regulatory gaps. Therefore, the summit seeks to create frameworks that allow smaller economies to participate meaningfully in the AI revolution.
Discussions are expected to cover open-source AI models, affordable computing infrastructure, cross-border data collaboration, and responsible innovation practices.
Strengthening Global AI Governance
As AI technologies become more powerful, concerns about misinformation, bias, cybersecurity, and ethical misuse continue to grow. The summit provides a platform to address these concerns through shared standards and international cooperation.
Experts will debate topics such as:
- Global AI safety norms
- Responsible data governance
- Cross-border regulatory alignment
- Public-private partnerships
- AI’s role in climate resilience and healthcare
By bringing together governments, academia, and industry leaders, the summit aims to move beyond theoretical discussions and toward actionable policy frameworks.
India’s Strategic Vision
India has invested heavily in digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar, UPI, and digital governance systems. The country now seeks to leverage AI to enhance these platforms and expand digital inclusion.
Hosting the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 strengthens India’s strategic position as both a technology hub and a responsible global leader. It also signals the country’s ambition to contribute actively to shaping the ethical and developmental direction of artificial intelligence worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Over the next five days, high-level discussions, policy dialogues, and technical sessions will explore the future of AI collaboration. The outcomes of this summit could influence global AI policy frameworks for years to come.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and societies, coordinated global action will remain essential. Through this summit, India aims to ensure that AI development remains inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial for all.