• The AI Impact Summit 2026 began in New Delhi, attended by world leaders and major tech CEOs.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, emphasizing India's role in AI governance.
• Over 250,000 visitors are expected, with discussions centered on AI's societal impacts.
• The summit marks the first global AI meeting hosted by a developing nation.
• Themed around "People, Planet, Progress," the summit aims for equitable AI implementation.

The AI Impact Summit 2026 officially commenced on February 16 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event. This significant summit features a gathering of global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with influential tech executives such as Google’s Sundar Pichai and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. This event marks the first time that such a prominent global AI forum is being held in the Global South, indicating India’s ascending position in the AI domain, as expected attendance is estimated at an impressive 250,000 participants, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

This five-day summit, running until February 20, focuses on creating a shared roadmap for global AI governance amid concerns about job disruptions and child safety associated with AI advancements. The overarching themes of the summit are encapsulated in the "Three Sutras" of People, Planet, and Progress, aimed at ensuring AI serves humanity equitably and sustainably. “This occasion is further proof that our country is progressing rapidly in the field of science and technology,” said PM Modi, emphasizing India's commitment to democratic and inclusive AI development, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

This summit includes over 500 events and 840 exhibitors across sectors from startups to international tech corporations. It underscores India's ambition to enhance its AI capabilities while also addressing the societal impacts of AI technologies. The event has drawn substantial investment commitments from global firms, further highlighting India's attractiveness as an AI innovation hub, as noted by Indiatimes and Africa News.

During the summit, discussions are expected to address critical topics, including AI's implications for labor markets, ethical considerations in AI development, and frameworks for international collaboration. These dialogues come in light of increasing concerns regarding generative AI's impact, particularly on employment within sectors such as IT and customer support, with projections suggesting significant revenue declines for call centers by 2030, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.