India Hosts Global AI Impact Summit in New Delhi Amid High Expectations and Early Challenges
New Delhi, February 16 2026 — India has stepped onto the global technology stage this week by hosting one of the world’s largest artificial intelligence gatherings, bringing together heads of state, senior policymakers, and top technology executives to discuss how AI should shape economies, societies, and governance in the years ahead. The five-day Global AI Impact Summit, inaugurated in the national capital, aims to frame a shared global approach to artificial intelligence at a time when the technology is rapidly transforming jobs, security, and everyday life.
The summit was formally opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the event as a reflection of India’s growing strength in science and technology and the potential of its young workforce. In a public message, he said the gathering underscored how the country is advancing as a global innovation hub.
A Major International Gathering
Government officials said this edition of the Global AI Impact Summit is the largest so far, with an estimated 250,000 visitors expected over five days. Delegations include leaders from around 20 countries and representatives from 45 ministerial-level teams, alongside thousands of entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and students.
Several prominent world leaders are scheduled to attend, including Emmanuel Macron and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The summit also features strong representation from the global technology industry, with executives from leading firms such as Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, and OpenAI expected to participate in discussions.
Organisers say the broad participation reflects growing international interest in India’s role as both a large digital market and a potential bridge between advanced economies and the Global South.
Focus on Jobs, Safety, and Governance
The summit agenda covers a wide range of issues, from the impact of automation on employment to child safety, misinformation, and national security. As artificial intelligence systems increasingly generate text, images, and video, governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate risks without stifling innovation.
India’s Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said the country’s approach centres on using AI for inclusive growth and sustainable development. “The goal is clear: AI should be used for shaping humanity, inclusive growth and a sustainable future,” he said during a session outlining India’s digital vision.
Officials highlighted India’s experience in building large-scale digital public infrastructure, such as digital identity and payment platforms, as a potential model for deploying AI at scale while keeping costs low.
Early Criticism Over Organisation
Despite the ambitious scope, the summit’s opening day was marked by criticism from attendees over organisational issues. Several participants reported long queues, overcrowding, and confusion at the venue, particularly ahead of high-level security arrangements for visiting dignitaries.
Some delegates said unclear instructions led to exhibition areas being temporarily cleared, leaving exhibitors scrambling to secure equipment and personal belongings. Poor signage and limited seating reportedly added to the confusion, while a number of speakers said they were still awaiting confirmation of session timings and agendas.
One startup founder posted on social media that he was unable to access his assigned booth after gates were closed, prompting him to consider informal meetings elsewhere in the city. While organisers have not publicly responded in detail, officials privately indicated that crowd management measures were being adjusted as the summit progresses.
India’s Strategic Positioning
Beyond logistics, the summit represents a strategic moment for India. As one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies and its most populous nation, India sees artificial intelligence as both an economic opportunity and a policy challenge.
Analysts say New Delhi is keen to position itself as a neutral convener between countries pushing for strict AI regulation and those warning that excessive controls could slow innovation. Unlike some earlier global AI meetings that focused narrowly on safety risks, the India-hosted summit has expanded into a broader forum encompassing trade, development, ethics, and innovation.
The summit’s overarching themes — often described as “people, progress, and planet” — reflect an attempt to balance technological advancement with social responsibility.
No Binding Treaty Expected
Like previous editions held in Europe and East Asia, the Global AI Impact Summit is not expected to produce a binding international agreement. Instead, discussions are likely to culminate in a non-binding declaration outlining shared principles and goals for AI development and cooperation.
Policy observers note that global consensus on AI regulation remains elusive. While many governments support guardrails around safety and misuse, there is little agreement on enforcement mechanisms or timelines.
Seth Hays, an Asia-focused AI policy analyst, said discussions would likely focus on “putting up some guardrails without throttling AI development,” adding that India may also announce increased public investment in AI research, though partnerships with global players will remain essential.
A Turning Point for Global AI Dialogue?
The summit comes just over two years after generative AI tools entered mainstream use, accelerating both excitement and anxiety around the technology’s capabilities. Since then, AI summits have evolved from small, safety-focused meetings into large-scale global forums involving governments, corporations, and civil society.
For India, hosting this event is as much about diplomacy and economic positioning as it is about technology. Success will depend not only on declarations made this week, but also on how effectively discussions translate into cooperation, investment, and responsible deployment.
As the summit continues, attention will be on whether organisational challenges are resolved and whether meaningful common ground can be found among diverse stakeholders. Regardless of the immediate outcomes, the event underscores how central artificial intelligence has become to global policymaking — and how India is seeking a leading role in shaping that future.
