AI Summit 2026: PM Modi to Attend Opening Ceremony, Deliver Keynote on AI Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to welcome world leaders at Bharat Mandapam today as part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, with a family photo featuring the Prime Minister and visiting global dignitaries scheduled at approximately 09:15 am.

Building on this momentum, the Prime Minister will participate in the Opening Ceremony of the summit at around 09:40 am, followed by a keynote address at approximately 10:25 am outlining a comprehensive vision for artificial intelligence and its global impact.

The morning events follow a high-octane start to the summit on Wednesday, when the Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to world leaders including Antonio Guterres and Kristalina Georgieva, and maintained a hectic diplomatic schedule with nine bilateral meetings involving heads of state and global technology leaders.

The arrival of international dignitaries at the elegantly adorned venue was marked by a cultural showcase underscoring the summit's blend of tradition and technology.

Leaders such as Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Tshering Tobgay were received to the resonant sounds of traditional instruments including drums, nadaswaram and tanpura, as PM Modi greeted each guest with handshakes and exchanges of pleasantries, setting a collaborative tone for the summit.

Among the notable figures welcomed during the inaugural proceedings were Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Andrej Plenkovic, Aleksandar Vucic and Sebastien Pillay.

The ceremony also included Alar Karis, Petteri Orpo, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Bharrat Jagdeo, further highlighting the global scale of the event.

What did PM Modi say after bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026?

Deepening diplomatic engagement, the Prime Minister held seven bilateral meetings with world leaders and two exclusive meetings with global CEOs, including sessions with Bhutan's PM Tobgay, Pedro Sanchez and Croatia's PM Plenkovic.

Reflecting on his meeting with the Croatian Prime Minister, PM Modi shared on X, "Held fruitful discussions with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Mr Andrej Plenkovic. We discussed how to add momentum to our bilateral partnership in areas such as technology, innovation, shipbuilding, blue economy and boosting connectivity through the IMEEC corridor."

Following a similarly productive dialogue with the Estonian President, the Prime Minister remarked, "Had an excellent meeting with President Alar Karis of Estonia, a nation which has made remarkable strides in tech and AI. Discussed how to add further vigour to our economic partnership, particularly in the context of the India-EU FTA, which is a historical agreement."

These individual interactions align with the broader vision of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held under the theme 'Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay' (welfare for all, happiness of all).

The event is structured around seven thematic areas including AI for Economic Growth and Social Good, Democratising AI Resources and Safe and Trusted AI, guided by seven working groups aligned with the pillars of people, planet and progress.

On Wednesday evening, the Prime Minister hosted a formal dinner and cultural programme for heads of state and international guests to celebrate the day's achievements.

Sharing images on social media, he posted, "With world leaders at the AI Impact Summit dinner and cultural programme." He added, "The cultural programme at Bharat Mandapam showcased India's rich heritage and traditions!"

How did Netherlands PM Dick Schoof react to India’s AI growth at the AI Impact Summit 2026?

Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, hailed the AI Impact Summit 2026, noting an artificial intelligence boom in India during his visit and participation in discussions on international cooperation to responsibly accelerate AI development.

He highlighted the role of "middle powers" in bridging the gap between the global North and South, writing, "We discussed the importance of international cooperation among like-minded countries to responsibly accelerate the development of AI. Middle powers need to take the lead on this, serving as a bridge between the Global North and South. That is where our strength lies, also as the Netherlands."

Schoof also delivered remarks at the AI Safety Connect Day during the Bending the Bell Curve: 'How can Middle Powers Shape Global AI Power?' event and visited Humayun's Tomb, guided by the Agha Khan Foundation.

Earlier, the Dutch Prime Minister was received by Minister of State Jitendra Singh upon arrival in New Delhi.

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that his participation would further deepen and strengthen ties between India and the Netherlands.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Warm welcome to the Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands. He was received by Minister of State Jitendra Singh on arrival in New Delhi. PM Schoof will attend the India-AI Impact Summit; his participation will further deepen and strengthen the India-Netherlands bilateral partnership.”

(With inputs from ANI)