India Emerges as Global AI Leader, Says PM Modi at AI Impact Summit 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is emerging as a global leader in the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, emphasizing that the country’s progress reflects both technological ambition and a commitment to responsible innovation. Speaking ahead of the inauguration of the India AI Impact Summit & Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, he welcomed global leaders, industry experts, innovators, policymakers, and researchers, noting that the event brings the world together on a single platform to deliberate on AI’s future and societal impact.

Highlighting the summit’s theme, “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya” (for the welfare and happiness of all), Modi said it reflects India’s vision of using AI for human-centric development and inclusive growth. He underlined that AI is transforming healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and business, and stressed that innovation, collaboration, and responsible deployment will be key to building a progressive future. The Prime Minister added that India’s rise in AI is powered by its digital public infrastructure , expanding data economy, vibrant startup ecosystem, and advanced research capabilities, enabling the country to help shape global AI governance and serve as a bridge between developed and developing nations.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 , being held from February 16 to 20, is the first AI summit of this scale hosted in the Global South and reflects India’s ambition to shape global AI norms. The five-day event brings together heads of state, ministers, technology CEOs, researchers, startups, and civil society representatives to discuss AI’s role in inclusive growth, sustainability, and governance. Discussions are focusing on ethical AI use, regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity risks, data sovereignty, and workforce reskilling, as experts note that while AI may disrupt some jobs, it will also create new opportunities requiring digital skills. In a move showcasing India’s digital public infrastructure, the National Payments Corporation of India launched the UPI One World wallet for foreign visitors, enabling seamless digital payments without a local bank account.

The summit features flagship innovation challenges - AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi - which have attracted thousands of entries promoting inclusive innovation, women-led AI solutions, and youth participation. A research symposium, organized in partnership with leading academic institutions, will examine AI safety, governance frameworks, and collaboration among Global South nations, reinforcing India’s role as a technology bridge for emerging economies. Alongside the summit, the India AI Impact Expo 2026 showcases hundreds of exhibitors, startups, and country pavilions presenting AI solutions across sectors under the themes of People, Planet, and Progress. Expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors and thousands of experts across hundreds of sessions, the event positions India as a key platform in global AI dialogue while advancing responsible, inclusive, and human-centric AI adoption worldwide.