India-AI Impact Summit 2026 to Host 20 Leaders

India will host leaders and heads of state from 20 countries at the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20. The four-day event is spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aims to deliberate on how artificial intelligence can benefit people and the planet.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit will convene global policymakers, innovators and domain experts to shape a cooperative roadmap for responsible AI development. The event underscores India’s ambition to position itself as a key voice in global AI governance.

High-Profile Global Participation

Among the prominent attendees are French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, both visiting India on official state visits. Presidents from Estonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka and Switzerland are also scheduled to participate.

Prime Ministers from Bhutan, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Kazakhstan, Mauritius and the Netherlands will attend. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein, and Vice Presidents from Bolivia, Guyana and Seychelles will represent their nations.

Global Institutions and Ministerial Delegations

Ministerial delegations from over 45 countries are expected at the summit. The UN Secretary-General and senior representatives from several international organisations will also join the deliberations, highlighting the event’s multilateral character.

The presence of diverse stakeholders reflects growing global recognition of AI’s transformative impact across sectors including healthcare, climate action, agriculture, finance and public governance.

Three Sutras: People, Planet, Progress

The summit is anchored in three guiding principles—people, planet and progress. These sutras define India’s approach to AI cooperation, emphasising inclusive growth, sustainability and ethical innovation.

Discussions are expected to focus on bridging the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to AI tools, promoting green computing practices, and establishing interoperable regulatory frameworks.

Important Facts for Exams

• India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi from February 16–20.
• The summit is guided by three sutras: People, Planet and Progress.
• Artificial Intelligence governance is emerging as a key issue in global multilateral forums.
• The Ministry of External Affairs coordinates high-level international summits hosted by India.

India’s AI Diplomacy Push

The summit reflects India’s expanding digital diplomacy agenda and its efforts to shape global norms on responsible AI deployment. With participation from world leaders, innovators and international institutions, the platform is expected to advance collaborative frameworks that balance technological advancement with ethical safeguards and sustainable development goals.