New Delhi, February 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday toured multiple exhibition pavilions at the India AI Impact Expo 2026, engaging with startups, researchers, and technology leaders showcasing AI applications across various sectors. This took place at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, ahead of the event's official inauguration, marking the launch of the summit, which runs from February 16 to 20. The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is the first-ever international AI summit hosted in the Global South.
The summit is designed as a comprehensive national showcase of artificial intelligence in action, bringing together policy discussions, innovation, and large-scale AI implementation. Spanning over 70,000 square metres, the Expo is divided into 10 distinct arenas. It brings together a diverse mix of global tech companies, startups, academic institutions, research organizations, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners. Thirteen international country pavilions, including those from Australia, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and African nations, demonstrate global AI collaboration.
The Expo hosts over 300 curated pavilions and live demonstrations across three thematic "chakras": People, Planet, and Progress, reflecting AI's wide-ranging impact. More than 600 high-potential startups are showcasing AI solutions already deployed on a global scale, addressing real-world challenges. With an expected turnout of over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates, the Expo aims to foster global partnerships and expand business opportunities in the AI ecosystem.
Alongside the Expo, more than 500 sessions will take place, with over 3,250 speakers and panellists discussing cutting-edge AI trends and insights. The AI Impact Summit aims to position New Delhi at the forefront of shaping an inclusive, responsible, and impactful AI future.
As part of the IndiaAI Mission, India is unveiling 12 indigenous AI models developed by homegrown startups and consortia. These models have been trained on vast Indian datasets, catering to the country's 22 official languages. With a projected AI market worth over USD 17 billion by 2027, this summit is not just a diplomatic milestone—it's a bold statement of India's intent. Leveraging its 800 million internet users, vibrant startup ecosystem, and world-class digital infrastructure, India is positioning itself as the bridge between AI innovation and its real-world impact.
