India AI Summit 2026: How PM Modi Is Driving Global Tech Partnerships

On the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an intense diplomatic and tech outreach, holding a high-powered AI startup roundtable and seven bilateral meetings that underscored India’s ambition to shape the global artificial intelligence agenda.

How is PM Modi positioning India as a global AI leader?

During the summit, PM Modi conducted a marathon of engagements, beginning with a roundtable interaction with 16 CEOs and founders of prominent AI and deeptech startups. The discussions focused on harnessing artificial intelligence for agriculture, healthcare and environmental protection. He emphasised promoting higher education in mother tongues through AI while cautioning against misinformation and algorithmic bias.

The participating startups included Abridge, Adalat AI, BrainSightAI, Credo AI, Eka Care, Glean, Innogle, Invideo, Miko, Origin, Prophaze, Rasen, Rubrik, SatSure, Supernova and Sypha AI.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, is the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and civil society representatives to shape the future of artificial intelligence.

What did PM Modi discuss in his bilateral meetings with global leaders?

On the diplomatic front, the Prime Minister held seven back-to-back bilateral meetings, including with leaders from Liechtenstein, the Slovak Republic, Sri Lanka and Mauritius, alongside interactions with top global AI executives such as Sam Altman of OpenAI and leadership from Qualcomm. He also met the UN Secretary-General.

Modi’s meeting with Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam marked Ramgoolam’s second visit to India during his current tenure. The two leaders reviewed the Enhanced Strategic Partnership spanning trade, maritime security, health, education and digital cooperation. Recognising the growing importance of emerging technologies, they exchanged views on AI collaboration and innovation-led sectors to advance inclusive and sustainable development.

The leaders also reviewed the implementation of the Special Economic Package extended by India to support Mauritius’ development priorities. Modi underscored that Mauritius stands as a role model for India’s development partnership, reflecting mutual trust and shared commitment to progress. They reaffirmed the importance of the partnership under India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and Neighbourhood First policy and agreed to work closely to promote peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

In his meeting with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, the first between the two leaders, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of India-Slovakia relations. They welcomed the conclusion of the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement and the adoption of the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. The leaders agreed to explore cooperation in startups, information technology, renewable and nuclear energy, manufacturing, defence, space and education, while noting strong potential in AI, digital public infrastructure and Industry 4.0.

Modi also met Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, with both sides agreeing to deepen collaboration in trade, investment and emerging technologies, including AI and innovation, building on the momentum of the India-EFTA TEPA.

What broader diplomatic signals emerged from the summit sidelines?

Beyond the Prime Minister’s engagements, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In a post on X, he said, "Met with Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the sidelines of AI Impact Summit 2026. Discussed the need for consistency on human rights. Also highlighted the challenge of terrorism, the greatest violation of human rights."

MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George received Alexander Alimov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Secretary (West) Sibi George received Mr. Alexander Alimov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, who is on a visit to India to attend the India AI Impact Summit. Both sides look forward to the forthcoming Consultations on UN matters later this year."

George also met Bobur Khodjaev from the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan. Jaiswal posted, "Secretary (West) Sibi George met with Mr. Bobur Khodjaev from the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit. Both sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in various areas and agreed to promote greater collaboration particularly in the fields of trade, investment and emerging technologies including Al and skill development building."

As the summit concluded, it was clear that artificial intelligence served not merely as a technology platform but as a diplomatic bridge—linking innovation, economic strategy and geopolitical outreach under India’s expanding global vision.

(With inputs from ANI)