IndiaAI Mission Takes Centre Stage Ahead of AI Impact Summit in New Delhi

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a general purpose technology whose true value lies in the breadth of its societal impact, said S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, while outlining India’s inclusive approach to building a national AI ecosystem ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

"India is intentionally building an inclusive AI ecosystem that enables innovators, startups, researchers and public institutions to contribute to and benefit from this transformation.

Through sustained investments in compute, data, skills, models and trusted governance frameworks, the IndiaAI Mission is lowering entry barriers and expanding participation across regions and sectors, with a clear focus on last-mile impact," the MeitY secretary said.

In a post on the Ministry’s X handle, the Secretary noted that India’s AI ambitions are rooted in the intent to build a truly inclusive AI ecosystem, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision to democratise the use of technology.

How is the IndiaAI Mission addressing India-centric challenges and boosting economic opportunities?

The strategy seeks to address India-centric challenges while creating economic and employment opportunities for all Indians.

Launched in March 2024 with an outlay of Rs 10,372 crore, the IndiaAI Mission has, in less than 24 months, laid the foundation for the development of the country’s AI ecosystem.

More than 38,000 GPUs have been onboarded for a common compute facility accessible to Indian start-ups and academia at affordable rates.

Twelve teams have been shortlisted to develop indigenous foundational models or Large Language Models, while thirty applications have been approved for India-specific AI solutions.

For talent development, over 8,000 undergraduate students, 5,000 postgraduate students and 500 PhD scholars are being supported.

How will the India AI Impact Summit 2026 shape the future of inclusive and responsible AI?

Additionally, 27 India Data and AI labs have been established and 543 more have been identified.

India will host the India AI Impact Summit from February 16 to 20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together governments, industry leaders, researchers, startups, students and citizens from across the world to deliberate on the future of inclusive and responsible AI.

The summit, structured around three pillars of People, Planet and Progress, will feature focused discussions on employment and skilling, sustainable and energy efficient AI, and broader economic and social progress.

Seven thematic working groups, co-chaired by representatives from the Global North and Global South, are expected to present concrete deliverables including proposals for AI Commons, trusted AI tools, shared compute infrastructure and sector-specific compendiums of AI use cases.

Which countries and global delegations are set to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026?

According to Slovak Ambassador to India Robert Maxian, President of the Republic of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini will attend the summit and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other global leaders.

In a post on X, he wrote, "President Peter Pellegrini will be part of AI Impact Summit. He will meet PM @narendramodi and other global leaders. Historic engagement will give new momentum to SK-IN relations & strengthen our partnership in innovation&responsible AI."

According to TASR, Pellegrini’s itinerary includes bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including a discussion with the Indian Prime Minister on strengthening political and economic relations as well as cooperation in innovation, industry and modern technology.

He is also scheduled to meet Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The Slovak President’s office said his participation signals that technological sovereignty, the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence and support for innovation are strategic priorities for Slovakia, while also providing an opportunity to support investments and enhance the country’s political visibility within the EU and in relation to India.

Separately, the Emirates News Agency WAM reported that, on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will lead the UAE delegation to the summit.

Leaders from 20 countries including Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Guyana, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Mauritius, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UAE are scheduled to attend at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.

Ministerial delegations from over 45 countries, along with the UN Secretary General and senior officials from several international organisations, will also participate in the deliberations.

The summit is positioned as a pivotal global platform to develop a future oriented agenda for inclusive, responsible and impactful AI, moving beyond high level discussions to deliver tangible outcomes that drive economic growth, social development and sustainable AI use.

(With inputs from ANI)