Recent Delhi transformed into a global hub for artificial intelligence on Monday, February 16, 2026, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit and Expo at Bharat Mandapam. The five-day event, the first major international AI summit hosted in the Global South, aims to showcase India’s advancements in the field and foster collaboration, according to organizers.
Modi toured the Expo, engaging with innovators and observing India’s growing AI ecosystem. The summit features over 600 startups and pavilions representing 13 countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and nations from the African continent.
Prior to the summit’s opening, Modi emphasized India’s potential as a global data hub, stating, “Data centres will be a massive job creator for our youth. We invite the whole world’s data to reside in India.” He highlighted the nation’s expanding computing power and data infrastructure as crucial foundations for a thriving AI sector. In a post on X, Modi articulated the summit’s guiding principle: “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human-centric progress.” He expressed confidence that the summit’s outcomes would contribute to a “progressive, innovative and opportunity-driven” future.
The summit is drawing participation from global tech leaders, including representatives from OpenAI and Google, alongside world leaders, amplifying the voices of developing nations in the ongoing discussions surrounding AI governance. Day two of the summit, February 17, focuses on applied AI, social equity, and features panels with UN’s Amandeep Singh Gill and NITI Aayog’s Amitabh Kant.
However, the opening day was marred by logistical challenges. Reports surfaced of long queues, overcrowding, and confusion stemming from unclear instructions at the venue. Attendees also faced issues with security protocols, including abrupt evacuations for VIP sweeps, causing disruption and the temporary loss of personal belongings. Journalists covering the event voiced frustrations over entry procedures, citing discrepancies between digital QR codes and physical passes, resulting in significant delays in reporting. Heavy traffic congestion around Bharat Mandapam and broader logistical delays further compounded the difficulties.
Despite the initial setbacks, organizers continued with scheduled keynotes, panels, and roundtable discussions. The summit is promoting the development of sovereign AI models, democratized access to AI technologies, and scalable solutions, positioning India as a key player in the ethical and inclusive development of artificial intelligence. Sanjay Malhotra, a central banker, urged attendees to embrace AI, stating, “AI is happening, it is relentless, if you don’t do AI, AI will be done to you… Set a personal target of learning how to use three AI platforms within the next three months.”
As the India AI Impact Summit progresses through February 20, further breakthroughs in collaboration and policy are anticipated. The event represents a significant test of India’s capacity to lead in the next chapter of AI development, balancing ambitious goals with effective execution.
