PM Modi to inaugurate India AI Impact Summit in Feb 2026; Bill Gates, top tech CEOs confirm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to kick off the India AI Impact Summit 2026, a major event scheduled in New Delhi from February 15 to 20. This summit will gather an array of global leaders, including heads of state and top executives from prominent technology firms, all with a goal of achieving a consensus declaration on pressing Artificial Intelligence (AI) issues. The summit aims to foster global collaboration on critical AI topics, emphasizing inclusivity and the democratization of AI resources. Notably, both the United States and China have confirmed their participation, which is pivotal in the context of the ongoing global conversations surrounding AI. IT Secretary S. Krishnan revealed that several industry titans, such as Bill Gates, Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind, and Marc Benioff of Salesforce, have confirmed their attendance. Krishnan articulated the summit's central objective: to build a collective agreement among participants. He noted, "The primary aim is to get everyone on board," emphasizing the need for a leaders' declaration that supports the inclusion and accessibility of AI resources. Unlike the inaugural AI Summit, which primarily focused on safety, this summit will concentrate on the positive impacts and benefits of AI. Key discussions will revolve around how to ensure that AI initiatives serve social good across various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture. The summit is structured around seven working groups that will tackle themes such as economic growth through AI, social empowerment, and safe AI practices. This initiative builds on previous global efforts, enhancing the dialogue initiated at earlier summits in locations like Bletchley Park and Paris. Prominent figures expected to attend include French President Emmanuel Macron and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. With over 50 CEOs already confirmed and representation from more than 100 countries anticipated, the summit promises to be a significant gathering for shaping the future of AI. India is also expecting substantial participation from countries in the global south, particularly those from Africa and Latin America. Prime Minister Modi will not only inaugurate the summit but will also host a dinner event and engage in key discussions and roundtables throughout the event. On the topic of India’s collaboration with the US regarding the Pax Silica silicon supply chain initiative, Krishnan indicated that discussions are ongoing, involving multiple levels of dialogue between the two nations. The anticipation surrounding the event highlights India's growing role in the international AI landscape.