“AI Rising: India’s New Delhi Summit Set to Shape the Future of Global Intelligence”

India is preparing to host a landmark event that could redefine the global trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) development. The AI Impact Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place on 19–20 February 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together world leaders, tech CEOs, innovators, and policymakers to discuss how AI can be harnessed responsibly for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and human-centric impact.

Positioning itself as a central hub in the global AI ecosystem, India will welcome more than 100 chief executives from major global companies and leaders from at least 15 countries, indicating strong international interest in the summit’s agenda. The participation of high profile leaders and business heads underscores the event’s strategic significance in shaping future policies around AI. 

This summit stands out not just for its scale but for its ambition. It aims to shift the global AI dialogue beyond technical safety and governance, focusing more on tangible, socially beneficial impact—especially for the Global South—ensuring that emerging AI technologies serve human needs, protect cultural diversity, and support sustainable development. 

Ahead of the main summit, India is already mobilizing global cooperation through a range of initiatives and challenges. These include AI for ALL—a global impact challenge to identify breakthrough AI solutions, AI by HER to promote women-led AI innovations, and YUVAi, a youth challenge encouraging young innovators to contribute AI solutions for social good.

The government’s push toward democratizing AI also encompasses expanded research collaborations, pre-summit dialogues with international academics and policymakers, and preparatory hackathons and events that build momentum leading into February. These efforts reflect India’s intention to foster inclusive access, ethical deployment, and innovation across diverse sectors. 

India’s role as the host of this summit not only cements its position in the global AI landscape but also signals a broader commitment to ensuring that the benefits of AI reach all layers of society, while building frameworks that are equitable, safe, and sustainable. The impact of this summit could resonate long after the closing remarks in New Delhi, shaping international AI policies and collaborations for years to come.