NewsGate Press Network

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Thursday the 19th of February 2026.

In his powerful message on technological optimism, the PM said while some view the rise of artificial intelligence with apprehension, India embraces it as a cornerstone of its future growth.

“While some see fear in AI, others see the future. I can say with utmost pride that India finds its future in Artificial Intelligence,” emphasising the nation’s proactive and optimistic stance toward the technology.

Modi highlighted the unprecedented velocity of the current technological era.

“AI is making machines intelligent, but more than that, it is increasing human capabilities manyfold. There is only one difference: this time the speed is unprecedented and the scale is also unexpected. Earlier, the impact of technology used to take decades to be visible. Today, the journey from machine learning to learning machines is faster, deeper and wider than ever,” the Prime Minister said

Emphasising the moral weight of this transition the Prime Minister drew parallel with the advent of AI to the discovery of nuclear power, urging the global community to consider the legacy being left for future generations.

“We have to have a big vision and shoulder an equally big responsibility. Along with the present generation, we also have to worry about what form of AI we will hand over to the coming generations. Therefore, the real question today is not what Artificial Intelligence can do in the future. The question is, what do we do with Artificial Intelligence in the present? Such questions have come before humanity before. The most powerful example is nuclear power. We have seen its destruction and its positive contribution has also been seen,” Modi added.

The Opening Ceremony was also addressed by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, as well as various top industry leaders from across the world.

The Leaders’ Plenary in the noon brought together Heads of State, Ministers and senior representatives from multilateral institutions to outline national and global priorities on AI, including governance, infrastructure, and international cooperation.

In the evening Modi is scheduled to participate in the CEO roundtable in the evening. It will convene senior executives from global technology and industry firms with government leadership to discuss investment, research collaboration, supply chains, and deployment of AI systems.

The theme of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is सर्वजन हिताय, सर्वजन सुखाय, welfare for all, happiness of all.

It aims to position India as a leader in the field of AI and envisions a future where AI advances humanity, fosters inclusive growth, and safeguards the shared planet.

The Summit has brought together more than 500 Global AI Leaders, around 100 Chief Executive Officers and Founders, 150 Academicians and Researchers, and 400 Chief Technology Officers and Philanthropists.

It also engages over 100 government representatives, including more than 20 Heads of State and Government and around 60 Ministers and Vice Ministers.