PM Modi Inaugurates India AI Summit 2026: Day 1 Live Updates
In Focus
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026
- Day 1 focused on responsible AI, innovation, and global collaboration
- Leaders emphasized safety, inclusivity, and adherence to local frameworks in AI
- Government launched the ‘Create In India’ mission to boost employment and innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on February 16, 2026, marking the official start of the five-day event.
PM Modi shared on X, “Bringing the world together to discuss AI! Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit,” cited by The Hindu.
Updates from India AI Summit Day 1 highlighted India’s growing prominence as a hub for AI innovation and policy dialogue. The inaugural brought together leaders from across the globe, industry captains, startups, researchers, and policymakers.
Highlights from Day 1 of the India AI Impact Summit
- Focused on responsible AI deployment, ethical frameworks, and encouraging innovation.
- Featured panels, keynote addresses, and interactive exhibits across sectors.
- Showcased AI applications in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and national security.
- Emphasized that AI should complement human effort and empower societies.
- Demonstrated innovative AI technologies by delegates and exhibitors.
- Strategies for ethical AI governance were discussed by government officials and policymakers.
- Stressed democratizing AI access and strengthening domestic compute capabilities.
- Encouraged local innovation aligned with India’s socio-economic priorities.
- Explored AI use cases in sustainable development, smart cities, and workforce training.
Top Voices from the AI Impact Summit
Top leaders delivered strong messages on the need for safe, inclusive, and culturally aware AI. Raghav Chadda highlighted the importance of responsible AI and collaborative innovation.
Canada’s Victor Fedeli said, “Safety, inclusion, and empowerment must be the guiding principles of AI deployment globally.”
India’s Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized, “Global digital platforms must respect cultural context, adhere to local legal frameworks.”
What is the ‘Create In India’ Initiative
On the sidelines of the summit, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the ‘Create In India’ mission, an initiative aimed at generating employment and promoting future-oriented innovation through AI. The mission encourages startups to develop scalable AI products, fostering homegrown technological solutions and boosting India’s global competitiveness.
Vaishnaw emphasized that this mission aligns with broader objectives of strengthening India’s domestic innovation ecosystem while preparing the workforce for AI-driven opportunities. By promoting homegrown solutions, India aims to build sustainable models that can be replicated globally.
What to Expect on Day 2 of the India AI Summit 2026
The summit’s second day will focus on sector-specific AI innovations, international collaboration, and policy deliberations. Sessions will cover applications of AI in healthcare, agriculture, education, and smart cities. Workshops for startups, researchers, and policymakers will further explore ethical AI deployment, data privacy, and AI-enabled governance frameworks.
The five-day event features more than 500 sessions and over 3,250 speakers, alongside interactive pavilions representing 13 countries. Delegates and visitors will get hands-on exposure to AI products from leading global tech companies, furthering the summit’s goal of promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The India AI Summit 2026 strengthens India’s commitment to creating a responsible, inclusive, and innovative AI ecosystem. Through initiatives like the ‘Create In India’ mission and strong international engagement, the summit positions India as a global leader in AI research, innovation, and policy development.
