AI Impact Summit 2026 LIVE: PM Modi Opens Mega AI Expo As World Leaders Arrive In Delhi

The nation that leads the artificial intelligence race could define the global economic and strategic order through 2050, highlighting AI’s role as a core geopolitical and growth driver. The report underscores the need for strong compute infrastructure, talent, innovation ecosystems and policy frameworks to secure long-term technological leadership.

India and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, advancing a joint roadmap and expanding diversified trade to boost economic resilience. The ministers reviewed progress in technology, energy and business cooperation, highlighting India’s growing global role and shared opportunities for workers, industries and investments amid steady diplomatic engagement.

UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said India and the United Kingdom share a strong sense of enthusiasm about the future of artificial intelligence and deeper collaboration. He highlighted opportunities in innovation, safety standards, research partnerships and economic growth, underlining the importance of joint efforts to shape the global AI ecosystem.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has arrived in Andhra Pradesh and held discussions with state leaders on partnerships in:

• Public health

• Agriculture

• Education

• Technology-driven governance

The visit signals deeper collaboration between Indian institutions and the Gates Foundation.

The Prime Minister said the summit reflects India’s vision of using artificial intelligence for “welfare for all, happiness for all.” He welcomed global innovators, industry leaders and researchers and underlined the need for human-centric AI development.

Reliance Jio’s Chief AI Scientist Gaurav Aggarwal is using the India AI Impact Summit to recruit top talent, inviting “cracked engineers” to connect with him for fast-tracked hiring. The move highlights the intense demand for high-end AI talent as Indian companies scale teams to build indigenous AI capabilities and infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will jointly inaugurate the India–France Year of Innovation 2026, aimed at deepening cooperation in technology, startups, research and industry. The initiative will promote joint projects, academic exchanges and business partnerships, strengthening the strategic relationship and advancing innovation-led growth in both countries.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, several global leaders are attending, including:

• Emmanuel Macron, President of France

• Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil

• UK Deputy PM David Lammy

• AI ministers, global policymakers and technology executives

The summit aims to build international consensus on safe, inclusive and scalable AI.

Kyndryl CEO Martin Schroeter said AI is reshaping enterprises and must centre on human–agent collaboration for inclusive innovation. Stressing governance and compliance, he linked AI adoption to the principles of People, Planet and Progress. His remarks aligned with the summit’s focus on sustainable growth, measurable impact and equitable digital transformation.

This is the first time the AI Impact Summit is being held in the Global South after previous editions in Paris, Seoul and Bletchley Park. The government expects over 2.5 lakh visitors, with participation from 20 heads of state and 45 ministerial delegations. The Expo spans 10 arenas across 70,000+ square metres and features 13 country pavilions.

All keynote sessions, leadership talks, ministerial dialogues and Expo walkthroughs will be streamed live on the official IndiaAI YouTube channel. Viewers can follow the summit in real time for major announcements, policy signals and global collaborations.