State

India Hosts Global Leaders at AI-India Impact Summit 2026, Showcases Inclusive AI Innovation

News On Time Desk 16 February 2026

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister expressed pride in the diverse participation from around the world, acknowledging the energy and innovation of India’s youth as a driving force behind the nation’s rapid technological progress.

The India AI Impact Expo 2026, held alongside the summit from February 16–20 at Bharat Mandapam, serves as a national platform to exhibit real-world AI applications. Covering over 70,000 square meters across 10 thematic arenas, the Expo brings together global technology companies, startups, research institutions, government ministries, state representatives, and international collaborators.

Thirteen country pavilions — including Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Russia, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African nations — highlight international cooperation in AI research and development. The Expo features more than 300 curated exhibition spaces and live demonstrations centered around three guiding pillars: People, Planet, and Progress.

Over 600 high-potential startups are participating, many of which are deploying AI solutions at scale to benefit communities and industries. The event is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors and includes over 500 sessions with 3,250 speakers and panelists from diverse backgrounds.

Billed as the first international AI summit hosted in the Global South, the gathering reinforces India’s commitment to an inclusive, ethical, and equitable AI future under the IndiaAI Mission. A highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of 12 indigenous foundation AI models, trained on datasets spanning 22 official languages, furthering digital inclusion across linguistic communities.