• India hosts AI Impact Summit 2026, marking the first major global AI forum in a Global South country.
• Over 40 technology CEOs and 20 heads of state, including PM Modi and French President Macron, attend.
• The summit prioritizes a human-centric approach to AI, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability.
• More than 250,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors expected at the summit, amplifying India's tech influence.
• The event aims to outline a shared roadmap for global AI governance and collaboration.

The AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced today in New Delhi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This landmark event is significant as it is the first of its scale to be hosted in a Global South country, reflecting India's rising influence in the global AI landscape. With over 40 technology CEOs, including leaders from Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, alongside 20 heads of state, the summit aims to gather global perspectives on the governance of artificial intelligence, according to Indiatimes and Reuters.

Key figures such as Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and Emmanuel Macron are among attendees focused on discussing the impact of AI on unemployment, ethics, and global collaboration. The summit runs from February 16 to 20 and is structured around three guiding principles termed the "Three Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. This thematic framework is designed to ensure AI development is human-centric, sustainable, and equitable, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

The summit has garnered significant interest, with an anticipated 250,000 visitors and over 300 exhibitors showcasing innovations at Bharat Mandapam. Indian officials view this event as a strategic move to position the country as a key player in the AI dialogue, particularly emphasizing its large-scale digital public infrastructure as a model for cost-effective AI deployment, as noted in reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Furthermore, while AI advancements offer potential for economic growth, there are concerns about job disruption, especially within India's IT sector, which holds a significant market position. Analysts predict substantial revenue impacts on traditional sectors like call centers due to AI integration by 2030. The summit is expected to address these critical issues while promoting ethical AI development and ensuring collaborative governance frameworks, according to Indiatimes, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.