India is poised to take center stage in the global artificial intelligence dialogue as it prepares to host the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Scheduled from February 16 to 20, the high-profile event will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcome an impressive roster of international dignitaries, including leaders from 20 countries and over 45 ministerial delegations. This landmark summit is designed to foster a collaborative environment, shaping the future trajectory of AI cooperation on a global scale.
The summit’s agenda is anchored around India’s forward-thinking approach to AI, guided by three core principles: People, Planet, and Progress. These principles underscore a commitment to building AI partnerships that are inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation. Discussions will delve into crucial aspects of artificial intelligence, focusing on the establishment of responsible AI governance frameworks, forging development partnerships, and advancing digital public infrastructure. A significant emphasis will also be placed on exploring climate-linked applications of AI and devising strategies to ensure that the technological progress benefits developing economies equitably.
Among the distinguished attendees expected are several heads of state and government. Presidents confirmed to participate include Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Emmanuel Macron of France, Alar Karis of Estonia, Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia, Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia, Anura Kumara Disanayaka of Sri Lanka, and Guy Parmelin of Switzerland. Prime Ministers from Bhutan (Tshering Tobgay), Croatia (Andrej Plenković), Finland (Petteri Orpo), Greece (Kyriakos Mitsotakis), Kazakhstan (Olzhas Bektenov), Mauritius (Navinchandra Ramgoolam), and the Netherlands (Dick Schoof) will also be present.
Further enhancing the summit’s diplomatic weight, Vice Presidents Edmand Lara Montano of Bolivia, Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana, and Sebastien Pillay of Seychelles are slated to attend. The United Arab Emirates will be represented by Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, while Hereditary Prince Alois will represent Liechtenstein. The presence of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and senior officials from various international organizations further highlights the summit’s significance. India’s aim is to leverage this platform to build consensus on global AI norms, ensuring that innovation aligns seamlessly with social equity and environmental sustainability for all.