India AI Impact Summit 2026 to Be Largest Global AI Gathering

India is entering a decisive phase in its development journey, with Artificial Intelligence emerging as a strategic national enabler for inclusive growth and technological equity. Reflecting this ambition, the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, positioning India at the centre of global discussions on responsible and development-oriented AI.

First Global AI Summit in the Global South

The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 will be the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. It will bring together heads of government, ministers, industry leaders, innovators and experts from over 100 countries. The Summit aims to translate AI policy into measurable outcomes across governance, innovation and sustainable development, aligning with India’s vision of welfare, inclusion and equity at scale.

Three Sutras Guiding the AI Vision

The Summit is anchored in three core principles, referred to as the Sutras. The People Sutra focuses on human-centric AI that safeguards rights and expands access to services. The Planet Sutra promotes environmentally sustainable AI systems that support climate resilience and responsible resource use. The Progress Sutra emphasises inclusive economic growth, productivity and innovation through AI-enabled development.

Seven Chakras Structuring Global Cooperation

Deliberations at the Summit are organised around seven thematic Chakras covering human capital, inclusion for social empowerment, safe and trusted AI, science, resilience and efficiency, democratising AI resources, and AI for economic development and social good. These working groups translate shared principles into actionable frameworks, fostering collaboration on skills, ethics, governance, sustainability and innovation.

What to Note for UPSC Prelims?

• India–AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi from February 16–20.
• It is the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South.
• The Summit is guided by three Sutras: People, Planet and Progress.
• Seven thematic Chakras structure AI cooperation and policy outcomes.

India’s Growing Role in Global AI Governance

India’s AI ecosystem is expanding rapidly, supported by initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission, Design Linked Incentives, sovereign AI compute infrastructure and large-scale skilling programmes. With strong adoption across agriculture, healthcare, education, justice delivery and governance, India is positioning itself as a trusted partner in global AI cooperation. The Summit marks a shift from dialogue to delivery, reinforcing India’s role in shaping responsible, inclusive and development-focused AI pathways worldwide.