The India AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced in the national capital on Monday, bringing together over 80 foreign leaders and more than 500 global artificial intelligence experts in what is being described as the largest AI-focused convening hosted in the Global South.

The five-day summit, running until February 20, features participation from over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 heads of state and government and 60 ministers and vice ministers. The event aims to deliberate on the role of AI in promoting inclusive growth, strengthening public systems, and advancing sustainable development.

On February 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver the inaugural address, outlining India’s vision for inclusive and responsible AI and emphasizing global cooperation in emerging technologies.

A key highlight of the summit is the culmination of three flagship Global Impact Challenges — AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi. These initiatives attracted over 4,650 applications from more than 60 countries. After a rigorous evaluation process, the top 70 teams have been selected as finalists and will present their solutions during the Grand Finale and Awards Felicitation Ceremony at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan on February 16 and 17.

The Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact, organised in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad on February 18, has received around 250 research submissions from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The symposium is being attended by Estonia’s President Alar Karis and Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, focusing on AI-driven scientific discovery, governance frameworks, and equitable access to computing resources across the Global South.