AI Impact Summit 2026 Full Guest List: 20+ Heads of State, 50 Ministers & Top CEOs to Attend in India

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14 Feb 2026
min read

News Synopsis

Delhi is set to become the global epicentre of artificial intelligence policy and innovation as India prepares to host the first-ever India AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20. With participation from over 20 heads of state, 50+ international ministers, and leading global tech CEOs, the summit aims to position India at the forefront of the AI revolution.

India AI Impact Summit 2026: A Defining Moment for Global AI Leadership

India is preparing to host a landmark artificial intelligence gathering that could shape global AI governance and innovation frameworks for years to come. Positioned by India’s Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as a novel event placing India at the centre of the AI revolution, the summit is expected to be one of the largest AI-focused diplomatic and technology platforms ever hosted by the country.

The five-day summit (February 16–20, 2026) will revolve around three foundational pillars — the “Three Sutras”: People, Planet, and Progress — reflecting India’s approach to inclusive and responsible AI.

Global Tech CEOs Confirmed for AI Impact Summit 2026

Some of the world’s most influential technology leaders are expected to attend:

  • Sundar Pichai (Google & Alphabet)

  • Sam Altman (OpenAI)

  • Jensen Huang (Nvidia)

  • Demis Hassabis (Google DeepMind)

  • Brad Smith (Microsoft)

  • Cristiano Amon (Qualcomm)

  • Bill Gates (Gates Foundation)

Their participation signals growing global interest in India’s expanding AI ecosystem, especially as the country accelerates its sovereign AI strategy and semiconductor ambitions.

20+ Heads of State and Global Political Leaders to Attend

The summit will also witness participation from prominent global leaders, invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Confirmed International Dignitaries

  1. Tshering Tobgay – Bhutan

  2. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – Brazil

  3. Emmanuel Macron – France

  4. Andrej Plenković – Croatia

  5. Petteri Orpo – Finland

  6. Kyriakos Mitsotakis – Greece

  7. Aleksandar Vučić – Serbia

  8. Pedro Sánchez – Spain

  9. Guy Parmelin – Switzerland

  10. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – UAE

Additionally, ministerial delegations from over 45 countries will participate.

International Organisations

  • Antonio Guterres – UN Secretary General

  • International Monetary Fund

  • World Economic Forum

  • International Labour Organization

Indian Industry Titans to Participate

Leading Indian business figures expected at the summit include:

  • Mukesh Ambani

  • Natarajan Chandrasekaran

  • Nandan Nilekani

  • Sunil Bharti Mittal

  • Salil Parekh

  • Roshni Nadar Malhotra

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is also bringing its largest-ever delegation of over 120 senior executives, co-chaired by Shantanu Narayen and Raj Subramaniam.

AI Impact Summit 2026: Schedule & Key Highlights

The Government of India aims to position the summit as a “pivotal global platform” shaping inclusive and impactful AI governance.

Five-Day Itinerary Overview

February 16 – Inaugural & Expo

Venue: Bharat Mandapam

  • Opening of AI Impact Expo (840+ exhibitors)

  • National priority keynotes

  • Global South representation focus

February 17 – Applied AI

Venues: Bharat Mandapam & Sushma Swaraj Bhawan

  • Launch of Knowledge Compendiums (Health, Agriculture, Education, Energy)

  • “AI by HER” Global Impact Challenge

February 18 – Research & Innovation

Bharat Mandapam & Convention Centre

  • Global Research Symposium

  • Industry deployment sessions

  • Official Summit Dinner

February 19 – Leaders’ Day

Bharat Mandapam

  • Formal Opening Ceremony by PM Narendra Modi

  • High-level CEO Roundtable with Sam Altman, Jensen Huang and Indian industry leaders

February 20 – Global Governance

Bharat Mandapam

  • GPAI Council Meeting

  • Adoption of Leaders’ Declaration

  • Closing keynotes

What Makes AI Impact Summit 2026 Significant?

  • 700+ sessions across five days

  • 30+ countries represented at the Expo

  • Focus on AI safety, governance, ethical use and data protection

  • Discussions on India’s sovereign AI roadmap

  • Energy-efficient and sustainable AI development

As AI increasingly shapes global economies, security policies and social systems, India’s push to create a balanced, inclusive and development-driven AI framework positions the country as a major stakeholder in future global AI governance.

With policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs and technology pioneers sharing one platform, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is poised to become one of the most influential AI events globally.

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