India-AI Impact Summit 2026: New Delhi to Host First Global AI Summit in the Global South

New Delhi | February 2026: The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is set to become a landmark event in global artificial intelligence cooperation, marking the first-ever global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. The five-day summit will take place in New Delhi from February 16 to February 20, 2026, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and international organizations to shape the future of responsible AI.

The summit reflects India’s growing influence in global technology governance and its commitment to building an inclusive, people-centric, and sustainable AI ecosystem.

Global Leaders to Attend India-AI Impact Summit

Leaders from 20 countries are scheduled to participate in the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. High-profile attendees include:

• French President Emmanuel Macron

• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

• Spanish President Pedro Sánchez

• Swiss President Guy Parmelin

• Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof

• UAE Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

• Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam

• Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Disanayaka

• Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay

• Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay

In addition, leaders from Bolivia, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Guyana, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Serbia, and Slovakia are expected to join the discussions.

Ministerial delegations from over 45 countries will also participate, highlighting the summit’s global significance.

The UN Secretary-General and senior representatives from multiple international organizations will attend the summit, further strengthening its international character.

Focus on AI Governance, Safety and Global Cooperation

The India-AI Impact Summit will feature more than 700 sessions covering critical themes such as:

• AI safety and risk mitigation

• Global AI governance frameworks

• Ethical AI deployment

• Data protection and digital rights

• India’s vision for sovereign AI

Representatives from both the Global North and Global South are expected to present concrete proposals, including:

• Development of AI Commons

• Creation of trusted AI tools

• Shared global compute infrastructure

• Sector-specific AI use case compendiums

The summit aims to bridge global AI divides by fostering collaboration between developed and emerging economies.

Showcasing India’s AI Initiatives

The event will also highlight India’s national AI programs, including “Yuva AI for All,” a free and accessible initiative designed to build foundational AI awareness among students and working professionals.

By emphasizing skilling and accessibility, India aims to ensure that AI benefits are distributed widely across society rather than concentrated within select sectors.

India’s Role in Shaping Responsible AI

Hosting the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 positions India as a key voice in global AI discourse. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, governance structures, and economies, the summit seeks to promote:

• Shared global standards

• Responsible AI innovation

• Inclusive development models

• Sustainable technology partnerships

India’s leadership in organizing the first global AI summit in the Global South underscores its ambition to serve as a bridge between emerging and developed economies in the evolving AI landscape.

A Defining Moment for Global AI Dialogue

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is expected to set the tone for international AI collaboration in the coming years. By bringing together world leaders, international organizations, and technology stakeholders, the summit aims to create actionable frameworks for safe, ethical, and equitable AI deployment worldwide.

As New Delhi prepares to host this landmark event, the summit represents not only a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic step in positioning India as a trusted global partner in the AI-driven future.