The Indian AI Summit 2026 brought together global leaders, policymakers, researchers, startups, and technology companies to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the summit positioned India as a major voice in global AI conversations, particularly from the perspective of the Global South. The event focused on scaling AI responsibly while ensuring broad economic and social inclusion.

A key theme throughout the summit was AI as strategic national infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of innovation balanced with ethical safeguards, calling for AI systems that are inclusive, multilingual, and accessible. Discussions highlighted expanding AI applications in healthcare, education, agriculture, disaster response, and public services, with a strong push for India-specific solutions that address local challenges.

Global AI governance and collaboration were also central to the agenda. Leaders stressed the need for international standards, cross-border cooperation, and frameworks to address risks such as misinformation, deepfakes, and data privacy concerns. There was a clear message that AI development must be guided by transparency, fairness, and human oversight to prevent misuse while encouraging innovation.

On the industry side, the summit showcased startups, large enterprises, and research institutions working to move AI from pilot projects to large-scale deployment. While the event demonstrated ambition and scale, it also faced logistical criticisms, including crowd management and coordination challenges. Overall, the summit reinforced India’s ambition to become a leading global AI hub while shaping the ethical and developmental direction of the technology.