India Set to Host Its First Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in 2026

India will host its first global conference on artificial intelligence in 2026. The event is called the India AI Impact Summit and will take place from February 19 to 20, 2026. The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the capital city of India. It is organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as part of the IndiaAI Mission. Recently, a notable step was taken to promote awareness of AI in India. On February 10, 2026, a government official, Jitin Prasada, who is the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, officially launched a special bus called the IndiaAI showcase bus. The bus was flagged off at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Its purpose is to travel across different regions to raise awareness about artificial intelligence. The bus aims to educate young people about what AI can do and how it can benefit society. This information about the bus and upcoming summit was shared through official sources. The bus campaign is part of efforts to bridge the digital divide, meaning it helps ensure all people, especially youth from underserved communities, can understand AI and its uses. The goal is to empower young people with knowledge of AI's potential in life and work. The IndiaAI Impact Summit is organized under the IndiaAI Mission, a government initiative to promote AI in India. The summit will be a major international event and will feature discussions on how AI can support society and the environment. The event emphasizes three main principles: People, Planet, and Progress. These principles guide the summit’s focus on advancing humanity, supporting inclusive growth, and protecting shared global resources. The summit's official logo includes the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol of justice and ethical governance. This design reflects India’s commitment to responsible use of technology and aligns with its constitutional values. The event will focus on seven key thematic areas: Human Capital, Inclusion, Safe and Trusted AI, Resilience, Science, Democratizing AI Resources, and Social Good. These themes highlight the diverse ways AI can benefit society, from education and employment to safety and scientific discovery. India’s commitment to hosting the summit also marks a significant milestone. It will be the first time a global AI forum is hosted in the Global South, emphasizing India's growing role in the international AI landscape. The summit aims to turn artificial intelligence’s potential into real benefits for people, society, and the environment, reflecting India’s vision of “AI for All.” Understanding why this event matters requires recognizing its broader context. AI is rapidly transforming many areas of life and work worldwide. Hosting such a summit allows India to share its progress and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. It also showcases India’s leadership in promoting responsible AI development that respects ethical standards and aims for inclusive growth. Key dates to remember include the date of the summit itself, scheduled for February 19 and 20, 2026. The previous event highlight was the official launch of the awareness bus, which took place shortly before the summit, on February 10, 2026. These activities are part of India's strategic efforts to prepare for the global stage. In conclusion, India’s upcoming AI Summit is an important event that demonstrates the country’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for societal benefit. By hosting this international forum, India aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and responsible use of AI. The summit’s focus on inclusivity, safety, and social good aligns with global priorities for technology’s role in building a better future.