New Delhi is preparing to host the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit from February 16 to 20, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam complex. The event, which previously hosted the G-20 Summit in 2023, is positioned as the fourth in a global series, having been held previously in the U.K., South Korea, and France.
The summit is expected to draw leaders from approximately 100 countries, including representatives from Brazil and France, as well as prominent figures from the technology sector. Google CEO Sundar Pichai and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are among those scheduled to attend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the “India AI Impact Expo 2026” on Monday, February 16, which will include pavilions from 13 other countries.
According to a government official, India aims to use the summit to advocate for equitable access to AI resources and fair rule-making, particularly for developing economies. The country is prioritizing a “human-centric” approach to AI development, focused on “economic good.”
Organizers anticipate over 2.5 lakh visitors will attend the event, which will feature more than 3,000 speakers across 500 sessions, and over 300 exhibitions and demonstrations of AI technology and startups. An “all-women” hackathon is scheduled for Tuesday in Delhi.
International Engagement
Beyond the summit itself, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai on February 17. On February 18, he will host a dinner banquet for visiting dignitaries, followed by a leaders’ summit and a Tech-CEOs event on February 19. Brazil’s President Lula will also hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi and will lead a session on February 20.
Heads of state from 18 other countries, including those from Switzerland, Spain, and Kazakhstan, are expected to attend. The crown princes of Liechtenstein and the UAE, as well as former British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Rishi Sunak, will also be present. Delegations from more than 45 countries and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are also expected.
While NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang had been scheduled to speak, he cancelled his appearance “due to unforeseen circumstances.” Microsoft founder Bill Gates is expected to attend, despite facing scrutiny over past associations. His role at the event has not been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the AI Impact Summit begin?
The AI Impact Summit begins on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Where will the AI Impact Summit be held?
The AI Impact Summit will be held at the Bharat Mandapam complex in New Delhi.
Who are some of the key attendees at the summit?
Some of the key attendees include Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly evolve, how might this summit influence the future development and deployment of AI technologies globally?
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