In a significant move signaling a potential thaw in relations and a commitment to global collaboration in technology, India has, for the first time, invited China to participate in its annual AI Impact Summit as a partner nation. The summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 15 to 20, 2026, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This invitation marks a notable shift, as India aims to position the event as a global platform to promote the democratization of AI and seek consensus on its development and deployment. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, emphasized that the invitation was extended with the aim of showcasing India's foundational AI models and establishing a policy direction agreeable to other nations.

The AI Impact Summit is expected to draw participation from over 100 countries, with invitations extended to approximately 140 nations. The event anticipates the presence of over 100 AI leaders, including CEOs, CXOs, and chief scientists. High-profile attendees include Bill Gates, Demis Hassabis (CEO of Google DeepMind), Cristiano Amon (CEO of Qualcomm), Dario Amodei (CEO of Anthropic), and Raj Subramaniam (CEO of FedEx). French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are also expected to attend.

The summit's agenda is structured around the themes of "People, Planet, and Progress," framing AI's role in serving humanity, safeguarding the environment, and driving inclusive growth. Discussions will encompass AI solutions for various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, governance, education, and manufacturing. Seven working groups will delve into specific aspects, such as AI for economic growth, social good, resource democratization, human capital, resilience, innovation, social empowerment, safety, and science.

The main events, featuring Modi's inauguration and a CEO roundtable, are scheduled for February 19 and 20. A ministerial meeting of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence will occur on February 20, bringing together policymakers from different countries. An innovation festival will precede the summit, commencing on February 15 at Central Park in Connaught Place, showcasing creative and social applications of AI. Throughout the summit week, around 800 parallel AI-related events are expected nationwide, with an anticipated attendance of over 150,000 people, including the expo.

This invitation to China follows India's participation in the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, where India co-chaired the event and signed a joint statement on "Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet" along with China and over 50 other countries. The United States and the United Kingdom did not sign the statement.

The Paris summit addressed themes such as public interest AI, the future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance. Discussions also included the energy needs of AI, with participating countries agreeing to promote international dialogue on AI and the environment.

India's decision to invite China to its AI Impact Summit could foster greater cooperation in AI development and governance. It also presents an opportunity for both nations to share their perspectives on AI ethics, safety, and inclusivity, potentially leading to a more unified global approach to AI regulation.