AI Summit – Global Leaders Gather in Delhi for 2026 Event
AI Summit – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, formally opening what is being described as one of the world’s largest international forums dedicated to artificial intelligence.
Opening Ceremony at Bharat Mandapam
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the inaugural ceremony will begin around 9:40 a.m., with the Prime Minister addressing delegates at approximately 10:25 a.m. Ahead of the formal proceedings, he is scheduled to receive visiting dignitaries and world leaders, followed by a group photograph at about 9:15 a.m.
The opening session will also feature remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, alongside senior representatives from the global technology and industry sectors. Their participation underscores the summit’s growing international significance.
Expo Showcases Global AI Innovations
Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister will tour the India AI Impact Expo at around 11 a.m., accompanied by visiting leaders. The exhibition area will include country pavilions displaying cutting-edge AI-driven solutions and emerging technologies from across continents.
The expo is expected to highlight developments in sectors such as healthcare, digital governance, manufacturing, and climate solutions. Organisers say the showcase aims to demonstrate how artificial intelligence applications are being integrated into real-world systems to improve efficiency and expand access to services.
Leaders’ Plenary to Address Policy and Governance
At approximately noon, the Prime Minister will join the Leaders’ Plenary session. The gathering will bring together heads of state, cabinet ministers, and senior officials from multilateral institutions to deliberate on shared priorities in artificial intelligence.
Discussions are likely to focus on policy frameworks, infrastructure development, regulatory mechanisms, and global coordination. Participants are also expected to examine how nations can work together to build transparent and accountable governance models for AI systems.
Officials have indicated that building resilient digital infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to AI technologies will be central themes of the dialogue.
CEO Roundtable on Investment and Partnerships
Later in the evening, starting at 5:30 p.m., the Prime Minister will participate in a closed-door CEO Roundtable. The meeting will include senior executives from leading global technology and industrial companies, along with key government representatives.
The conversation is expected to centre on investment opportunities, collaborative research initiatives, strengthening supply chains, and the responsible deployment of AI technologies at scale. Industry leaders are anticipated to share perspectives on innovation trends and potential partnerships with India and other participating nations.
A Platform for Global Collaboration
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to foster coordinated strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence in ways that encourage innovation while maintaining ethical standards. By bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and technical experts, the summit seeks to build consensus on balancing technological advancement with responsible oversight.
Organisers have highlighted the need for cross-border cooperation to address economic, social, and regulatory challenges linked to AI adoption. The discussions are also expected to explore how emerging technologies can support inclusive growth and improve public service delivery.
The event marks the fourth edition of the India AI Impact Summit series. Previous editions were held in the United Kingdom in 2023, South Korea in 2024, and France in 2025, each contributing to a broader international dialogue on digital transformation.
This year’s summit places emphasis on aligning technological progress with principles of inclusive development. Indian officials have reiterated that the country’s approach to artificial intelligence prioritises broad societal benefit, echoing its longstanding philosophy of welfare and shared prosperity.
By convening global stakeholders under one platform, the summit is positioned to shape future cooperation in digital technology, trade, cultural exchange, tourism, and maritime engagement. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and governance models worldwide, the Delhi gathering is expected to influence the direction of international AI policy and partnerships in the years ahead.