PM Modi to address global leaders at India AI Impact Summit opening in Delhi at 10.25 am
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the opening ceremony of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday at approximately 10:25 am at Bharat Mandapam, officials said.
The Prime Minister’s morning itinerary will begin with welcoming international dignitaries attending the summit. A ceremonial family photograph featuring visiting heads of state and government is expected to take place around 9:15 am, followed by Modi’s participation in the formal opening session at about 9:40 am.
The summit, one of India’s flagship global technology gatherings, has drawn participation from more than 20 heads of state, alongside policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and startup founders. The event aims to position India as a key voice in shaping the global artificial intelligence framework, particularly from the perspective of emerging economies.
Leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are among those expected to attend discussions spanning AI governance, safety standards, digital infrastructure, and inclusive innovation.
Wednesday marked an intensive diplomatic day for Modi, who held nine bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. The Prime Minister met leaders from Spain, Finland, Serbia, Croatia, Estonia, Kazakhstan, and Bhutan, focusing on strengthening cooperation in digital technology, investment, and innovation ecosystems.
In addition to political engagements, Modi also met top global technology executives. These included discussions with Sundar Pichai of Google and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, reflecting India’s growing emphasis on public-private collaboration in advanced technologies.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 centres on themes of responsible AI development, ethical governance, and equitable access. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the need for human-centric AI deployment, while outlining government initiatives aimed at expanding computing infrastructure and boosting domestic AI capabilities.
Several technology firms have used the platform to signal fresh investments, partnerships, and research collaborations. Companies, including Microsoft and OpenAI, are participating in sessions addressing AI innovation, enterprise adoption, and regulatory frameworks.
While the summit has attracted praise for its scale and ambition, the event has also triggered logistical challenges. Heavy traffic congestion was reported across central Delhi due to tightened security and movement restrictions near the venue.
Despite these challenges, policymakers view the summit as a critical milestone in India’s efforts to lead conversations on the future of artificial intelligence, balancing technological advancement with safety, transparency, and societal benefit.
Modi’s address on Thursday is expected to outline India’s strategic priorities in AI, including global cooperation, digital inclusion, and innovation-driven growth.