The India AI Impact Summit begins today in the national capital, marking the first global artificial intelligence summit to be hosted in the Global South. The five-day event will bring together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators and experts to deliberate on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across governance, innovation and sustainable development.
The Summit is expected to see participation from leading global technology firms and industry leaders, underscoring India’s growing role in shaping the global AI ecosystem.
Executive Vice President of Nvidia, Jay Puri, who is attending the Summit, said the world is witnessing the beginning of a new industrial era shaped by artificial intelligence.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be traveling to New Delhi for the AI summit at such a defining moment for our industry. The energy, ambition and pace of innovation we are seeing are extraordinary. We are at the beginning of a new industrial era, one that will be shaped by AI. The future of AI will be global, but it will also be deeply local. And it’s inspiring to see India playing such a key role in shaping that future. With one of the world’s largest developer ecosystems, a thriving startup landscape and extraordinary digital ambition, India has the scale and talent to lead in this era. We are here to collaborate with the government, industry, startups and academia to help build and scale AI that drives real economic growth and meaningful societal impact,” Jay Puri said in a video posted by the Indian Embassy in the US.
President and Chief Product Officer of Cisco, Jeetu Patel, also expressed optimism about India’s role in the development of artificial intelligence.
“I am delighted to be attending the AI Impact Summit in India and am looking forward to the role India plays in this movement of AI,” he said.
The India AI Impact Summit will run until February 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Designed as a five-day programme covering policy, research, industry and public engagement, the Summit aims to foster dialogue on responsible and inclusive AI adoption.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Global AI Impact Expo later in the day. The India AI Impact Expo, spread across more than 70,000 square metres, is expected to feature over 300 exhibitors from 30 countries across 10 thematic pavilions, showcasing AI’s transition from research and pilot projects to large-scale deployment.
Ahead of the Summit, the Prime Minister welcomed delegates arriving in India and highlighted the country’s progress in science and technology and its contribution to global development.
“Starting today, India hosts the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. I warmly welcome world leaders, captains of industry, innovators, policymakers, researchers and tech enthusiasts from across the world for this Summit. The theme of the Summit is Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya or welfare for all, happiness for all, reflecting our shared commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for human-centric progress.”
“AI today is transforming several sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and enterprise. The AI Impact Summit will enrich global discourse on diverse aspects of AI, such as innovation, collaboration, responsible use and more. I am confident that the outcomes of the Summit will help shape a future that is progressive, innovative and opportunity-driven,” he further said.
The Summit builds on India’s development-focused approach to artificial intelligence, aligns with the India AI Mission and the Digital India Initiative, and emphasises translating global AI discussions into practical, people-centric outcomes.
— ANI
