India is set to host the IndiaAI Impact Summit from February 19-20, 2026, in New Delhi, with a core objective of forging a global consensus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) standards. The summit, a flagship event organized by the Government of India under the IndiaAI mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), envisions bringing together global leaders, policymakers, AI experts, researchers, industry leaders, startups, and civil society to shape the future of inclusive and impactful AI.
The summit aims to promote ethical, open-source tools and ensure equitable AI access, particularly for sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture. India is also seeking a global partnership and funding mechanism to facilitate the responsible and fair deployment of AI worldwide. The event is structured around key principles of People, Planet, and Progress, with discussions centered on themes like human capital, inclusion, safety, resilience, science, democratizing AI resources, and social good.
India's approach to AI emphasizes innovation, responsibility, transparency, and public trust. The IndiaAI mission has a strong focus on the safe and trusted use of AI technology. The government is committed to ensuring that AI benefits all sections of society and strengthens India's position as a global hub for trustworthy and inclusive AI.
While India currently lacks a specific law dedicated solely to AI, it has established strategies and programs that lay the groundwork for ethical, responsible, and inclusive AI development. MeitY published the Principles for Responsible AI in 2021, outlining ethical guidelines centered on fairness, accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. In 2023, MeitY launched the IndiaAI National Program, designed to translate these principles into practice.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has a committee on AI that is proposing draft Indian Standards equivalent to ISO Standards. India is also a member of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), collaborating with other countries to promote the responsible development and utilization of AI.
The summit anticipates participation from heads of states, global leaders, policymakers, researchers, industry experts, and innovators. As AI adoption increases globally, the AI Impact Summit aims to chart a course toward the measurable impact of AI, underscoring India's role as a global convener.
In preparation for the summit, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is undertaking extensive civic improvements, including cleanliness drives and infrastructure upgrades, to provide a G20-level experience for international delegates.
