India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi

The “India AI Impact Summit 2026,” being held in Delhi, is a global conference organized from February 16 to February 20, 2026, over five days. The summit has brought together representatives and delegations from more than 100 countries, including ministers and officials from over 45 nations. It has emerged as a significant international platform for AI policy, collaboration, and innovation, bringing together governments, technology experts, industry leaders, startups, and researchers from around the world.

The grand inauguration of the AI Congress took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw. In his address, Prime Minister Modi spoke extensively about the future of Artificial Intelligence, India’s role in shaping it, and the social responsibilities associated with technology. Both leaders emphasized the themes of “Technology for Humanity” and “AI for All.”

Prime Minister Modi began his speech by highlighting India’s digital revolution. He noted that over the past decade, the country has made remarkable progress in digital public infrastructure, empowering millions socially and financially. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw elaborated on both the technological and policy dimensions of AI, stating, “Our goal is that India should not remain merely a consumer of AI, but become a creator and exporter.” He also underscored the importance of data security and privacy.

The addresses made it clear that India views AI not merely as a technological tool, but as a catalyst for development and social transformation. The AI Congress platform represents a significant step in aligning policy and technology. The leaders conveyed that India’s AI model will be human-centric, democratic, and inclusive—aimed not only at economic growth but also at social empowerment.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a technical term; it is becoming a foundational element of governance, economic systems, and democracy. In this context, the concept of an “AI Congress” is emerging as a platform where policymakers, technologists, industry leaders, and civil society can collectively determine how AI should be developed, regulated, and ethically governed. The term does not refer to any political party, but rather to a broader policy discourse taking place in parliaments and national forums worldwide.

Several countries have already formed parliamentary committees focused on AI. In Europe, the European Parliament advanced the AI Act after extensive debate on AI regulation. In the United States, discussions and hearings on AI policy have intensified within Congress. In India, policy preparations are also underway. NITI Aayog has presented its “AI for All” vision, emphasizing AI applications in education, agriculture, healthcare, and smart cities. If India develops a formal or informal “AI Congress” platform, its objective would be to balance innovation with responsible regulation.

AI presents both opportunities and challenges for democracy. On one hand, it enables transparent, swift, and data-driven governance. On the other, it raises concerns such as fake news, deepfakes, and violations of data privacy. In electoral politics, AI-based data analytics can help understand voter behavior, but it also carries risks of misuse.

One major responsibility of an AI Congress would be ensuring that technology strengthens rather than undermines democracy. This requires robust data protection laws, algorithmic transparency, and clear accountability frameworks.

While AI is creating new employment opportunities, it is also threatening traditional jobs. Automation is expanding rapidly in manufacturing, banking, media, and transportation. Policymakers must therefore focus on skill development, reskilling, and digital literacy. In a young nation like India, AI startups hold immense potential. With appropriate support for research, innovation, and the startup ecosystem, India can emerge as a global AI hub. An AI Congress could facilitate coordination between government, academia, and the private sector.

Ethics remains one of the most critical questions in AI development. Can machines be biased? Should AI-generated decisions be considered final? Who bears responsibility if an AI system causes harm? Addressing these questions requires collaboration not only among technologists but also legislators and the judiciary. There is also a need for a shared global vision and universal standards for AI governance, making international cooperation essential.

In states like Rajasthan, where e-governance and digital services are expanding, AI can enhance administrative efficiency. Applications in agricultural forecasting, water management, tourism promotion, and healthcare can accelerate development. Meaningful legislative debate at the state level could help shape more effective policies.

Ultimately, the AI summit represents more than a technological dialogue—it signals the future direction of politics itself. It marks the beginning of an era where parliaments will deliberate not only on traditional issues but also on algorithms, data, and machine learning. If adopted responsibly and ethically, AI can make democracy stronger, more transparent, and more inclusive.

In the coming years, it will become clear whether AI serves humanity as an ally or emerges as a challenge. Platforms like the AI Summit will play a crucial role in shaping that outcome.