New Delhi is preparing for a rare gathering where some of the world’s most influential technology leaders will sit under one roof to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, and this time, the spotlight is firmly on India.
Some of the biggest names in global technology, from Google CEO Sundar Pichai to OpenAI’s Sam Altman, are expected to gather in India for the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, a first-of-its-kind global AI meet hosted in the Global South. Here’s everything you need to know, in simple terms. When and where is the AI summit?
The Government of India has confirmed that the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held: Dates: February 16–20, 2026 Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi According to the government, this will be the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South, marking a major milestone for India’s growing role in shaping global technology conversations. What Is the India–AI Impact Summit about? Unlike typical tech conferences, this summit is designed to focus on real-world impact, not just ideas. The government says the summit aims to: The event will bring together policymakers, global tech leaders, innovators, and experts to discuss how AI can be used responsibly across governance, innovation, and sustainable development. Who’s attending the summit? The scale of participation is massive. According to official details, the summit is expected to host: Also read: Indian engineers now designing 2nm chips, says IT minister
Big tech names expected
Some of the most influential figures in AI and technology are expected to attend, including: Sam Altman’s India visit
Sam Altman’s visit is particularly notable, as it will be his first trip to India in nearly a year. According to a TechCrunch report, Altman is not yet listed as an official speaker on the summit’s public agenda.
However, OpenAI is said to be organising closed-door meetings on the sidelines, and there are reports that the company may host a separate OpenAI-focused event on February 19. Also read: ISRO searched for a landing site for Chandrayaan-4
Why this summit matters for India The summit comes at a crucial time for India. As artificial intelligence becomes a key driver of economic and technological transformation, the government sees AI as a strategic national tool, one that can help democratise technology and ensure access, inclusion, and equity at scale. From healthcare and education to governance and industry, AI is expected to play a defining role in India’s next phase of growth. The core principle behind the summit According to the government, the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 is guided by three foundational pillars, called “Sutras”, that define how countries should cooperate on AI. The first pillar focuses on: With global tech leaders and policymakers converging in New Delhi, the summit positions India not just as a fast-growing AI market, but as a country that wants a voice in defining how artificial intelligence should serve humanity.
