New Delhi: The five-day AI Impact Summit 2026 began at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital on Monday with the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A large number of political leaders, senior officials and technology experts from across the world have gathered in the national capital to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. The event is being described as the first major global AI summit to take place in the Global South. The Expo is being held alongside the main summit and will run from February 16 to 20 at the same venue.
Global leaders to attend
Inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the… pic.twitter.com/G370iXYAXm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 16, 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs said that 20 world leaders are expected to attend the summit. Ministerial delegations from more than 45 countries will also be present. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is among the major international figures scheduled to participate at the five-day event.
AI Impact Summit India 2026.
Several heads of state and government are attending at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among them include Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin.
In total, the summit will see the participation of over 20 heads of state, 60 ministers and more than 500 AI leaders and experts.
Focus areas of the summit
The summit discussions are built around three main themes, referred to as ‘Sutras’ — People, Planet and Progress. The aim is to explore how artificial intelligence can support public welfare, environmental goals and economic growth.
Alongside the summit, the India AI Impact Expo features more than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries. The exhibition is spread across over 10 thematic pavilions, showcasing developments and applications in AI.
The overall theme of the summit is “Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya”, which means welfare and happiness for all.
Traffic advisory in Delhi
Ahead of the event, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a traffic advisory on Sunday. Delegates travelling to Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan have been advised to use public transport. The ministry said parking space around the venue is limited and entry arrangements have been revised because of the high-level gathering.