India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to February 20, attracting heads of states, policymakers, technology industry leaders, journalists, civil society organisations, and many more from around the world for what is expected to be a critical and high-stakes week in the capital.
The week of the Summit will include over 500 events, in addition to the main program. It will also function as a showcase for AI products and solutions from more than 840 exhibitors, which consist of national delegations, ministerial groups, technology companies, AI startups, and research laboratories, making it one of the most extensive global gatherings focused on AI, according to a press release from the Indian government.
Here are the essential details you should know to help you navigate the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
AI Impact Summit 2026 – What is it about?
The AI Impact Summit 2026 represents the fourth occurrence in a series of global conferences, with the inaugural event taking place in the United Kingdom, aimed at providing a platform for policymakers and leading AI executives to address the potential existential threats posed by advanced AI technologies.
This event is significant as it is the first AI Summit to occur in the Global South, following previous editions held in Seoul and Paris. It is important to note that the AI Summit does not constitute a formal alliance of nations; rather, the host country determines which countries receive invitations to participate in the forum.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 has three primary objectives: to harness AI for empowering individuals and fostering innovation, to establish India as the global leader in AI services, and to make access to computing power, datasets, and algorithms more equitable. The summit is organized into seven working groups, known as ‘chakras,’ which will focus on themes such as ‘Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency,’ ‘Human Capital,’ ‘Safe & Trusted AI,’ ‘Science,’ ‘Democratizing AI Resources,’ ‘Inclusion for Social Empowerment,’ and ‘AI for Social Good & Economic Development.’
Where is the AI Summit 2026 Venue?
The AI Impact Summit 2026 will take place primarily at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The AI Impact Expo will be held in the exhibition halls of Bharat Mandapam, while the majority of plenary sessions and panel discussions will occur at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.
Some areas of the venue may be temporarily off-limits to delegates due to security or program needs, as outlined in a government circular.
Day By Day Event Of The Summit?
According to the official schedule for the AI Impact Summit 2026, inaugural and plenary sessions, thematic discussions, official engagements, and a major exhibition are planned for the five days of the event.
Typically, the sessions will start around 9:30 am, depending on the access timings of the venue. Please note that the main AI Summit is scheduled for February 19 and 20.
February 16: The day will primarily consist of keynote speeches, discussions centered on policy, and expert roundtable discussions. The AI Expo will also officially open on this date. Although the AI Expo will take place in the Bharat Mandapam Expo Arena, other activities will occur at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, and Amedkar Bhawan.
February 17: This date will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions in addition to the launch of Knowledge Compendiums — which includes Casebooks focused on AI in Health, Energy, Education, Agriculture, Gender Empowerment, and Disabilities — as well as a seminar dedicated to Applied AI.
February 18: A Research Symposium will take place, uniting prominent scholars, researchers, and think tanks to present innovative AI research, new methodologies, and data-driven policy insights. An industry session will follow at Bharat Mandapam. The finalists of the AI by HER – Global Impact Challenge are scheduled to present on February 18, showcasing AI solutions aimed at addressing large-scale or unique real-world public challenges. Additionally, a Summit Dinner is planned at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, although details regarding attendance and access are still uncertain.
February 19: It marks the commencement of the official AI Impact Summit 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event during a private opening ceremony at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre. On this day, entry to the venue will be limited. However, those who are registered may still access the Bharat Mandapam Expo Arena from 11 am to 6 pm.
The Summit will commence with an opening ceremony, followed by a Leaders’ Plenary and a roundtable discussion featuring CEOs, which will be addressed by PM Modi. Throughout the rest of the day, there will also be keynote speeches, panel discussions, and other roundtables planned.
February 20: During the second day of the AI Impact Summit, representatives from the GPAI Council member nations will gather to assess advancements, align their priorities, and enhance multilateral collaboration on responsible and inclusive AI, according to the official agenda. Additionally, it is anticipated that the Summit’s Declaration will be ratified on this day, with India reportedly advocating for the establishment of a trusted AI commons and a global governance structure for AI.
The schedule for the AI Impact Summit is provisional and could be modified. Links for livestreaming all sessions will be provided on the official IndiaAI website.
How can I register and attend the AI Impact 2026 Summit for free?
You can sign up as a delegate for the AI Impact Summit 2026 by visiting the official website: https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/registration. There is no charge for registration.
After entering the necessary information, you will need to verify your email address using an OTP. Once you submit the registration form, a confirmation will be sent to your registered email address. After your registration is approved, you will receive an email notifying you of this, along with another email that contains a QR code.
The QR Code should be displayed for access at Gate No 4 and Gate 10 of Bharat Mandapam, as well as at Gate No 2 of Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. All registered attendees must bring a valid government-issued photo identification (international participants should have their respective passports) together with their invitation, badge, or QR code.
