In AI, India sees opportunity and blueprint of tomorrow, PM Narendra Modi said at the 2026 AI Impact Summit.
New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a transformation of the same magnitude as historic turning points in human civilization, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on February 19, adding that what is being seen and predicted today are only the initial signs of its impact.
He set the tone for what the government described as a landmark global gathering on artificial intelligence, innovation and digital cooperation.
Inaugurating the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ at Bharat Mandapam here, Prime Minister said the world’s largest and historic AI Impact Summit is being held in India, a nation representing one-sixth of humanity. “India is home to the world’s largest youth population, the biggest tech talent pool, and a thriving tech-enabled ecosystem. India not only creates new technologies but also adopts them at an unprecedented pace,” PM Modi told a packed house.
The Prime Minister noted that 140 crore Indians are eager to embrace new technologies and, on their behalf, he extended a warm welcome to Heads of Governments, leaders of the global AI ecosystem, and innovators participating in the summit.
PM Modi highlighted the strong presence of the young generation at the summit, which he said instills new confidence. He observed that while new technologies often face initial skepticism, the speed and trust with which the youth worldwide are accepting AI, taking ownership of it, and using it, is unprecedented.
India is emerging as a “natural hub” for Artificial Intelligence, backed by a robust digital foundation, secure infrastructure and a vibrant startup ecosystem.
Following the inauguration, Modi participated in the Leaders’ Plenary session, where heads of state, ministers and technology leaders deliberated on the future of AI governance, cross-border partnerships and innovation ecosystems.
Moreover, Modi outlined a comprehensive and human-centric approach, MANAV, to AI, urging the global community to balance innovation with responsibility while shaping the future of AI.
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(Infographic courtesy: MyGovIndia)
Bilaterals to boost strategic partnerships
On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister held a series of bilateral meetings with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Greece. The discussions focused on strengthening strategic partnerships in emerging technologies, digital infrastructure, clean energy, trade and investment.
Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the importance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which they said remains underpinned by strong political, cultural, commercial, energy and people-to-people ties.
Discussions with the Netherlands and Switzerland highlighted collaboration in high-tech manufacturing, semiconductor ecosystems and research partnerships. Talks with Greece explored avenues for boosting trade, connectivity and innovation ties between the two countries.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister participated in a high-level CEOs Forum featuring over 50 global business leaders. The closed-door interaction focused on investment opportunities in India’s digital economy, AI-led innovation, and regulatory frameworks to support emerging technologies.
The AI Impact Summit has drawn participation from policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and startups from across the globe, positioning India as a key voice in shaping the global AI agenda.
