India AI Impact Summit 2026 Inaugurated, PM Modi Calls AI a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth
New Delhi | February 19, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, positioning India at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence dialogue.
The high-level summit has brought together policymakers, global technology leaders, researchers, startups, and representatives from multiple countries to deliberate on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in governance, industry, healthcare, education, and economic development.
Focus on Ethical and Inclusive AI
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that AI must be developed and deployed in a manner that is ethical, inclusive, and human-centric. He underlined that India’s approach to AI would prioritize transparency, accountability, and accessibility — particularly for the Global South and emerging economies.
The summit aims to position India as a global hub for responsible AI innovation, encouraging collaboration between governments and private players while ensuring safeguards against misuse.
Boost for Youth and Startups
A key highlight of the event is its strong focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. The Prime Minister called upon young innovators, startups, and research institutions to harness AI for solving grassroots challenges — from agriculture productivity to smart urban planning.
Industry leaders at the summit echoed the importance of public-private partnerships to accelerate AI adoption across sectors. Dedicated sessions are being held on AI governance frameworks, skill development, data security, and ethical deployment.
Global Cooperation in AI Governance
With participation from international delegates, the summit also seeks to build consensus on global AI standards. Discussions are centered around balancing innovation with regulation, ensuring data protection, and bridging the digital divide.
Experts believe the summit marks a significant step in India’s ambition to emerge as a trusted global leader in next-generation technologies.
Why This Matters
As AI reshapes economies worldwide, India’s proactive engagement through platforms like the India AI Impact Summit 2026 signals its intent to not only adopt cutting-edge technologies but also shape the global AI narrative.
The event is expected to conclude with collaborative frameworks and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening India’s digital ecosystem while fostering responsible innovation.
