India is preparing to host what is being described as the world’s largest Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit, marking a major milestone in the country’s fast-growing digital and technology journey. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 will take place from February 16 to February 20, 2026, and is expected to bring together global political leaders, top technology CEOs, innovators, startups, researchers, and policymakers under one roof.
The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, two of India’s premier international conference venues. With participation from world leaders and the biggest names in the tech industry, the event positions India as a key global hub for artificial intelligence innovation, policy, and responsible development.
A Global AI Event of Unprecedented Scale
The scale of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is unlike anything seen before in the AI space. According to official details, the summit is expected to attract up to 100,000 attendees from across the world. These participants will take part in nearly 500 different events, including keynote sessions, panel discussions, technical workshops, startup showcases, and policy roundtables.
Around 15 heads of state are expected to attend, highlighting the strong political importance of AI in shaping the future of economies, governance, and global cooperation. Alongside them, more than 100 CEOs from leading technology companies will be present, making this one of the most influential gatherings of business and policy leaders focused on AI.
Big Tech Leaders and Global Influencers to Attend
One of the biggest highlights of the summit is the participation of some of the world’s most influential figures in technology and innovation. Industry leaders such as NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and Google CEO Sundar Pichai are expected to attend. Their presence signals the growing importance of India in the global AI ecosystem, both as a market and as a center for innovation and talent.
In addition, Bill Gates is also expected to be part of the summit, bringing his long-standing experience in technology, philanthropy, and global development to discussions on how AI can be used for social good. The participation of such high-profile leaders ensures that conversations at the summit will influence AI strategies far beyond India’s borders.
IndiaAI Mission at the Core of the Summit
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being organized under the umbrella of the IndiaAI Mission, a national initiative aimed at building a strong, inclusive, and responsible AI ecosystem in the country. The mission focuses on improving access to computing power, encouraging innovation, supporting startups, and ensuring ethical use of artificial intelligence.
A major attraction of the summit will be a large-scale AI Expo featuring around 800 exhibitors. These exhibitors will include Indian startups, global technology firms, research institutions, and public sector organizations. The expo will showcase cutting-edge AI solutions across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, climate technology, manufacturing, and smart governance.
Launch of 200 Indian AI Models
One of the most important announcements expected at the summit is the launch of nearly 200 Indian AI models. These models are being developed to address local and global challenges, with a strong focus on Indian languages, public services, and real-world use cases.
The launch of these AI models highlights India’s ambition to move beyond being just a consumer of AI technologies and become a global creator of AI solutions. These models are expected to support areas like digital governance, citizen services, healthcare diagnostics, education platforms, and business productivity tools.
Focus on Responsible and Ethical AI
A key theme of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 will be responsible AI development. Several sessions will focus on how artificial intelligence can be designed and deployed in ways that benefit people, protect the planet, and support long-term progress.
Discussions will cover topics such as AI ethics, data privacy, bias reduction, transparency, and sustainability. Policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders will explore ways to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that AI technologies are used safely and fairly across societies.
This focus reflects India’s intent to play a leadership role in shaping global AI norms and standards, especially for emerging economies.
Massive AI Investments Flowing into India
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted that India is already seeing strong momentum in AI-related investments. According to official statements, around $70 billion in AI investments are currently flowing into the country. These investments are coming from a mix of domestic companies, global technology firms, and international investors.
This surge in investment is helping India rapidly build AI infrastructure, research capabilities, and startup ecosystems. It also signals strong global confidence in India’s long-term AI vision and market potential.
Strengthening AI Infrastructure with GPUs
A major challenge in AI development is access to high-performance computing resources. Addressing this, the government has confirmed that 38,000 GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) have already been secured under the IndiaAI Mission. These GPUs are critical for training large AI models and supporting advanced research.
By improving access to computing power, India aims to level the playing field for startups, researchers, and academic institutions that may otherwise struggle with high infrastructure costs. This move is expected to accelerate innovation and reduce dependence on foreign AI infrastructure.
AI Mission 2.0 on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the government has also hinted at AI Mission 2.0, which will further expand access to AI resources and capabilities. The next phase of the mission is expected to focus on deeper industry collaboration, wider deployment of AI solutions, and stronger international partnerships.
AI Mission 2.0 is likely to build on the foundation laid by the current program, ensuring that AI benefits reach not just large companies but also small businesses, startups, students, and public institutions across the country.
Read More: India’s IT Minister Pushes Back at Davos After IMF Puts India Behind US and China in AI Race
Why the India AI Impact Summit Matters
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is more than just a technology conference. It represents India’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence, shaping how AI is developed, governed, and used worldwide.
By bringing together heads of state, global CEOs, investors, researchers, and innovators, the summit creates a powerful platform for collaboration and decision-making. The event is expected to influence global AI policy discussions, drive new investments, and spark partnerships that will define the future of AI.
India Steps into Global AI Leadership
As the world looks toward artificial intelligence to solve complex challenges and drive economic growth, India’s hosting of the world’s largest AI summit sends a clear message. The country is ready to take a leadership role in the global AI ecosystem.
With massive participation, strong government backing, record investments, and a clear focus on responsible AI, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to become a landmark event. It not only highlights India’s technological progress but also its vision of using AI for inclusive growth, sustainability, and global cooperation.
