India AI Impact Summit 2026 Set to Host Global Leaders in New Delhi
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) unveiled the official list of international leaders scheduled to participate in the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, a landmark event taking place in the national capital next week. Hosted at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this summit is being heralded as the inaugural major global artificial intelligence gathering centered in the Global South, aiming to shape the future trajectory of AI technologies worldwide.
Summit Details and High-Profile Attendance
Scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 will bring together heads of state, ministers, global CEOs, and representatives from international organizations. These delegates are expected to engage in critical discussions on the future of artificial intelligence, with a focus on its economic ramifications and the development of robust governance frameworks. According to the MEA, the following leaders are confirmed to attend:
- Bhutan – Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister
- Bolivia – Edmand Lara Montano, Vice President
- Brazil – Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President
- Croatia – Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister
- Estonia – Alar Karis, President
- Finland – Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister
- France – Emmanuel Macron, President
- Greece – Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister
- Guyana – Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President
- Kazakhstan – Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister
- Liechtenstein – Hereditary Prince Alois, Hereditary Prince of the Principality of Liechtenstein
- Mauritius – Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister
- Serbia – Aleksandar Vučić, President
- Slovakia – Peter Pellegrini, President
- Spain – Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President
- Sri Lanka – Anura Kumara Disanayaka, President
- Seychelles – Sebastien Pillay, Vice President
- Switzerland – Guy Parmelin, President
- The Netherlands – Dick Schoof, Prime Minister
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
In addition to these leaders, ministerial delegations from over 45 countries will participate, alongside the United Nations Secretary-General and senior officials from various international organizations. Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw has described the response as "phenomenal," with nearly 100 countries expected to be represented and more than 100 global CEOs in attendance.
Strategic Focus and Summit Agenda
The summit arrives at a pivotal moment as global AI ecosystems experience significant transformations. While advancements in large language models have accelerated, there is a growing consensus among policymakers and experts on the necessity for enhanced data governance, diversified AI architectures, and sector-specific deployment strategies. The event is structured around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Progress, which expand into seven thematic working groups. These groups will address critical areas such as AI skilling, social inclusion, safety protocols, scientific research, sustainable computing practices, democratizing access to AI technologies, and fostering economic growth.
Over 700 session proposals have been received, reflecting widespread interest and engagement. A highlight of the summit will be the release of the AI Compendium on February 17, a comprehensive document detailing case studies of AI applications across key sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education, and energy. The summit will culminate with the GPAI Council meeting on February 20, further solidifying international cooperation on AI governance.
Industry Participation and Interactive Elements
Prominent technology leaders are set to grace the event, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, Microsoft President Brad Smith, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. Their presence underscores the summit's role as a nexus for public-private dialogue on AI innovation and regulation.
The summit will also feature dynamic competitions and initiatives designed to promote inclusivity and youth engagement. Notable programs include AI for ALL and AI by HER, offering top prizes of Rs 2.50 crore, alongside youth-focused efforts like YUVAi and India AI Tinkerpreneur. An expansive exhibition spanning 70,000 square metres will showcase more than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries, providing a platform for cutting-edge AI technologies and collaborations.
This gathering marks a significant step in India's leadership on the global AI stage, fostering dialogue and partnerships to harness artificial intelligence for sustainable and equitable development.
