Modern Delhi is hosting a five-day global artificial intelligence summit starting Monday to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the technology, amid rising concerns of job security and child safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is presiding over the summit. “Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the world!” he wrote on X at the start of the event.
This is the fourth annual summit of its kind, with previous meetings held in France, South Korea, and the UK. This year marks the first time a developing country is hosting the event.
India has risen to third place in AI competitiveness, as calculated by Stanford University researchers, trailing only the US and China.
Summit Opening Marred by Confusion
Despite its ambition to showcase India’s technological progress, the summit’s opening day was met with criticism. Attendees reported long lines, overcrowding, and organizational issues at the New Delhi venue.
Delegates told the Reuters news agency that unclear instructions led to confusion after the exhibition building was unexpectedly cleared for security sweeps ahead of high-level arrivals. Attendees also cited poor signage and limited seating as contributing to the disorganization, with some sessions unable to accommodate all interested participants.
Several reporters reported that promised physical passes were not ready, and a lack of seating hindered their ability to report on the event.
Global Leaders to Attend
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to draw over 250,000 visitors, including 20 national leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, as well as 45 ministerial-level delegations.
Tech CEOs Sam Altman of OpenAI and Sundar Pichai of Google are also scheduled to attend. India’s IT Ministry stated that the summit “will shape a shared vision for AI that truly serves the many, not just the few.”
Modi stated on X ahead of the summit that it “will enrich global discourse on diverse aspects of AI, such as innovation, collaboration, responsible leverage and more.” He added, “From digital public infrastructure to a vibrant StartUp ecosystem and cutting-edge research, our strides in AI reflect both ambition and responsibility.”
Focus on AI Risks
The summit is taking place as safety concerns grow regarding AI-generated misinformation, disinformation, and deepfakes. Last month, Elon Musk’s AI tool Grok faced backlash over the generation of sexualized images of real people, including some of children, based on simple text prompts.
In January, the Indian government tightened AI rules for social media platforms, requiring them to clearly label “synthetically generated information.”
The summit’s slogan is “people, progress, planet,” though some observers, including AI Now Institute co-executive director Amba Kak, are skeptical of substantial progress. Kak, who is attending the summit, doubts leaders will capture meaningful steps to hold AI companies accountable, noting that previous industry commitments have largely been “self regulatory” frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the India AI Impact Summit?
The summit is intended to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence, amid rising concerns of job security and child safety.
Who is attending the summit?
The summit is expected to host over 250,000 visitors, including 20 national leaders, 45 ministerial-level delegations, and tech CEOs Sam Altman of OpenAI and Sundar Pichai of Google.
What concerns are being raised alongside the summit?
Concerns are being raised over AI-generated misinformation, disinformation, and deepfakes, as well as the logistical challenges experienced during the summit’s opening day.
As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly evolve, what role should international collaboration play in ensuring its responsible development and deployment?
