Why in news?
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a major global event hosted by India, scheduled for February 19-20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It marks the first time a Global South nation will host the summit. 
 
Features of the Summit

• Flagship Initiatives include the AI Pitch Fest (UDAAN) showcasing startups from Tier 2 and 3 cities, Global Innovation Challenges promoting AI solutions for public good, and a large AI Expo.
• Seven thematic "Chakras" guide cooperation and focus areas: Human Capital, Inclusion for Social Empowerment, Safe & Trusted AI, Resilience and Efficiency, Science, Democratizing AI Resources, and AI for Economic Development and Social Good.
• Indigenous AI foundational model projects are being launched targeting multilingual, healthcare, scientific, industrial, governance, and agricultural applications.
• The official summit logo incorporates the Ashoka Chakra, blended with neural network flares depicting AI’s transformative reach.

Significance of the Summit

• It positions India as a global convener for the Global South on AI governance and development.
• It advances in leveraging technology for inclusive growth, social development, and sustainability, reflecting India's ambition to make AI accessible and beneficial for all sections.
• The summit aims to foster multilateral partnerships, public-private collaborations, and spanning governments, industry, academia, startups, and civil society.
• Outcomes from the summit are expected to shape India’s domestic AI regulatory landscape and contribute to global AI governance frameworks.

India AI Impact Summit 2026 is a landmark event aimed at promoting responsible, impactful, and equitable AI development and deployment, with a strong emphasis on ethics, indigenous innovation, and global collaboration.

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