Mohammed Y. Safirulla, Director at the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted the ministry’s pivotal role in establishing the India AI Mission. Constituted in March 2024, the mission focuses on seven strategic pillars, including developing foundational AI models, increasing computational capacity, creating free and open AI datasets, and establishing frameworks for safe and responsible AI. The goal is to position India not just as a consumer but as a global leader in AI, nurturing an ecosystem where innovative AI products are created and scaled worldwide. The mission also aims to prepare young people for AI-related careers and support startups in developing high-quality, globally competitive AI solutions.
In February 2026, India will host the AI Impact Summit, marking the fourth edition of this international series and the first time a country from the Global South will lead the event. Scheduled from February 16 to 20 in New Delhi, the summit will bring together delegations from over 100 countries, including heads of state, ministers, and more than 50 top executives from leading AI and digital companies. Representatives from international organizations, state governments, and the startup ecosystem are also expected to participate. The summit aims to create a global framework for assessing and maximizing the impact of artificial intelligence, focusing on benefits for people, the planet, and societal progress.
Beyond technological advancements, the summit will explore how AI affects everyday life, contributes to sustainability, and supports human progress. Seven working groups, representing around 100 countries, will deliberate on themes such as innovation, resilience, democratization, safe and trusted AI, and other areas that directly impact society. Startups and young innovators are encouraged to actively participate.
The India AI Mission has also launched three flagship initiatives in conjunction with the summit. “AI for All” invites the global community to develop scalable AI solutions with meaningful societal impact. “AI by Her” focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs in the AI space. The third initiative, UIAI, targets young innovators under 21, offering them a platform to showcase their creations during the summit. IndiaAI Mission invites students, startups, and innovators worldwide to engage in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and contribute to shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
