As India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit 2026, the country is positioning itself as a leading advocate for the democratisation of artificial intelligence. According to an official statement released, India’s approach emphasises scale, inclusion and innovation, demonstrating that technological advancement and social equity can move forward together.
The summit will underline the importance of affordability, openness and trust in AI systems to ensure that the benefits of emerging technologies reach farmers, students, researchers, startups and public institutions. Democratising AI, the statement noted, is an ongoing commitment aimed at reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable development.
For countries in the Global South, equitable access to foundational AI resources—such as data, computing power and digital infrastructure—remains critical. The summit will provide a collaborative platform for 15 to 20 Heads of Government, over 50 international ministers and more than 100 global and Indian CXOs to deliberate on these issues.
Discussions will be organised into seven thematic Working Groups, referred to as Chakras. Among them, the Democratizing AI Resources Working Group, co-chaired by India, Egypt and Kenya, will focus on fostering inclusive access, cooperation and capacity building to create a balanced global AI ecosystem.
India’s strategy is anchored in its comprehensive AI stack, spanning applications, models, compute, infrastructure and energy. These layers are treated as interconnected national capabilities designed to strengthen public digital infrastructure. Approved in March 2024 with an allocation of Rs 10,371.92 crore over five years, the IndiaAI Mission is central to expanding access, enhancing data availability and promoting responsible AI use.
Scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, the summit will be the first global AI gathering hosted in the Global South, bringing together leaders and innovators to explore AI’s transformative potential for governance and inclusive growth.
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