AI Summit 2026 LIVE Updates: AI Marks ‘Fifth Industrial Revolution’; $200 Billion Investment Ahead, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 entered its second day on Tuesday, featuring a packed agenda and a prominent lineup of global speakers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the summit’s central aim is to ensure artificial intelligence is harnessed for the broader public good.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister stated, “Intelligence, rationality and decision-making ability make science and technology useful for every citizen. The objective of the India AI Impact Summit is also the same — to ensure that AI is used for the benefit of all.”

The discussions continue to centre on the critical issues shaping AI’s future, including workforce disruption, healthcare transformation, algorithmic accountability, child safety, and the surging need for data infrastructure.

Speaking at the summit, Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog, warned that without a strong Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework, AI could deepen global inequalities. He also highlighted India’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem, noting the country’s expanding contribution to data generation and digital innovation.

Day two is expected to drive deeper conversations on how AI is reshaping economies and societies. Key sessions will examine automation’s impact on employment, AI’s expanding role in healthcare delivery, and the safeguards needed for ethical AI development and child protection.

Hosted at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, the gathering is being positioned as the first major global AI summit hosted in the Global South.

Expo Sees Strong Global Presence

Running alongside the summit is the India AI Impact Expo, which has drawn participation from leading technology firms, startups, academic institutions, research bodies, government ministries, state administrations, and international partners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the expo on Monday, touring exhibition stalls and interacting with innovators and entrepreneurs. The showcase features more than 600 high-potential startups and 13 country pavilions highlighting cross-border collaboration in artificial intelligence.

Participating nations include Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and African partners.

Macron to Attend Summit

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday as part of their India visit. Following engagements in Mumbai, the French delegation is scheduled to travel to New Delhi to participate in the summit.

The event has generated significant public interest, with organisers expecting more than 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates. The summit was opened to the general public from February 17 after its formal inauguration.