PM Modi Welcomes World Leaders to Delhi AI Impact Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed global leaders, industry captains, innovators, and experts to the AI Impact Summit in Delhi on February 16, 2026, positioning India as a global leader in harnessing artificial intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development. In his keynote address, Modi underscored how India’s 1.4 billion-strong population, combined with electronic public infrastructure, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and cutting-edge research, is driving AI advancements across sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and industry. The summit, hosted amid India’s rapid digital transformation, serves as a pivotal platform for forging breakthroughs and collaborations that ensure AI benefits reach every corner of society. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to “responsible AI,” one that balances aspiration with accountability, ethics, and equity, reflecting the nation’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). He highlighted homegrown successes, such as AI applications in precision farming for smallholders, predictive healthcare via CoWIN-like platforms, and smart governance tools that have digitized services for millions.
Global participation from tech giants, policymakers, and startups underscores the event’s
significance, with discussions focusing on ethical frameworks, data sovereignty, and AI’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Modi reiterated that AI must empower the Global South, bridging divides rather than widening them, and called for collective action on risks like bias and job displacement while maximizing opportunities in emerging fields. This gathering aligns with India’s broader tech strategy, including the IndiaAI Mission, which allocates billions for computing power, datasets, and skilling programs to make AI ubiquitous yet trustworthy. As host, India showcased prototypes in multilingual AI models and climate-resilient agriculture, drawing praise for its pragmatic approach.[2] The PM’s vision: AI as a force multiplier for Viksit Bharat, ensuring technology serves humanity’s progress without compromising values.