The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has drawn together an extraordinary assembly of global leaders, pioneering technologists, and policymakers at the heart of New Delhi. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi presides over the inaugural proceedings. From headline-grabbing discussions on responsible AI and societal impact to bold predictions from industry titans like Sam Altman, the summit sets the stage for high-stakes dialogue, transformative initiatives, and a reimagining of AI’s role in economies and lives around the world
This is one of the largest AI events ever held in the Global South, bringing together world leaders, tech CEOs, policymakers and innovators.
High-Profile Discussions
Sessions today include keynote addresses, policy dialogues and expert roundtables on responsible AI, ethical use, jobs and societal impacts of AI. Discussion at today’s AI impact summit ranges from AI’s impact on employment and child safety to global collaboration frameworks and ethical governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PM Modi said India is bringing the world together to discuss AI. He welcomed leaders, innovators, policymakers and research communities from around the world. He highlighted India’s growing role in the global AI landscape and framed the summit as a moment of global collaboration.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI
Sam Altman commented that India has the potential to become a global leader in the AI race. He pointed to the country’s rapid growth in AI adoption and its sizeable ChatGPT user base, reinforcing India’s strategic importance in the global AI landscape.
Jitin Prasada, Union Minister
Jitin Prasada said the Indian government’s strategic focus is on scalable, efficient AI models. The priority is not simply to build a large base of AI models but to promote models that are practical, adaptable and can be implemented across industries.
V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor
V. Anantha Nageswaran made one of the most widely-reported statements of the day, stressing that India can lead the global AI transformation by aligning AI adoption with mass employability.
Tech Leaders on Job and Skills Transition
At the summit, Sateesh Seetharamiah, CEO of EdgeVerve (Infosys unit), responded to concerns around job disruption due to AI. He advised workers not to worry about layoffs but to upgrade skills continually, emphasising that AI will evolve jobs rather than simply eliminate them, and that lifelong learning is key to future careers.
Global Voices on Trust & Collaboration
Dr Shane Reti, New Zealand Minister of Science, Innovation & Technology, noted that holding the summit in India recognises India’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem. He said both India and New Zealand want to build trust and social licence for AI to benefit societies responsibly.
The summit opened with global leaders and major tech CEOs, setting the tone for multi-stakeholder engagement.
Initiatives Launched
Here are the major initiatives launched at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on 16 February 2026.
UPI One World Wallet Service for Foreign Delegates
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the UPI One World wallet service for international visitors attending the summit.
Sarvam AI Launches Sarvam Edge, Offline AI Model
Indian-based AI startup Sarvam AI introduced Sarvam Edge, an AI model that can perform tasks without internet on smartphones and laptops. Tasks like speech-to-text, translation and text-to-speech can be done without internet connectivity. Currently, the model supports 10 major Indian languages.
Thousands of visitors, experts and startups are present on opening day, with live media noting large crowds, active pavilion exhibitions and lively discussions.
According to the official sessions schedule, today’s programme includes themed discussions in multiple auditoriums, focusing on AI deployments in healthcare, education and sustainability, ethical frameworks for trustworthy AI and Innovation.
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