Global AI Summit Opens in India, Focus on Ethical, Equitable Innovation

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New Delhi: India has commenced the 2026 India AI Impact Summit in its capital, drawing governments, technology executives and civil society leaders from across the world for a five-day international conference on artificial intelligence. The event, taking place at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre, is being regarded as the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South, highlighting India’s ambition to play a pivotal role in shaping international discourse on AI deployment and governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit with a call for AI to deliver “welfare and happiness for all,” emphasising the technology’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth and social development. The summit brings together heads of state, policymakers and industry leaders, as well as over 600 startups, 3,000 speakers and an expected 250,000+ visitors, underscoring the scale and global interest in the forum.

Among the attendees are world leaders and major tech figures from companies such as Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Amazon and others, who are participating in panels and workshops that explore how AI can be harnessed responsibly for public good. The summit features discussions on practical applications ranging from healthcare and education to agriculture and governance, with sessions on ethical standards and inclusive access to AI technologies.

A central objective of the summit is to boost international cooperation and address the widening divide between nations in access to AI tools and infrastructure. India has advocated for a shared framework for ethical AI often referred to as a Global AI Commons that would support equitable access to AI resources, particularly for countries in the developing world.

Alongside the main conference, the India AI Impact Expo showcases practical AI solutions and innovation from global exhibitors, covering themes such as people, planet and progress. The expo serves as a platform where startups, researchers and enterprises can demonstrate real-world applications of artificial intelligence and forge international partnerships.

The summit signifies India’s efforts to leverage its large digital public infrastructure and expansive technology ecosystem to contribute to global AI development and governance. With discussions spanning AI safety, data protection and economic transformation, the event reflects growing momentum in ensuring that future AI advancements are both inclusive and aligned with societal needs.