Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 on Monday, February 16, at Bharat Mandapam. Spanning 70,000 square metres, the five-day event (Feb 16–20) is being hailed as the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South, positioning India as a bridge between high-tech innovation and large-scale societal impact.
The Expo runs concurrently with the India AI Impact Summit, which features 20 heads of state and a massive delegation of global tech leaders.
The Three “Sutras” and Seven “Chakras”
The event is organized around a unique Indian philosophical framework:
- Three Sutras (Guiding Principles): People, Planet, and Progress. These principles emphasize human-centric AI, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.
- Seven Chakras (Thematic Zones): The Expo floor is divided into zones including Safe & Trusted AI, Science, Human Capital, and Inclusion for Social Empowerment.
High-Profile Global Participation
The summit boasts an extraordinary guest list of political and industry titans:
- Global Leaders: French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are among the 20 world leaders attending.
- Tech Visionaries: Speakers include Bill Gates (Gates Foundation), Sam Altman (OpenAI), Yann LeCun (Meta AI), and Sundar Pichai (Google).
- Country Pavilions: 13 nations, including Japan, Germany, Russia, and the UK, have dedicated spaces to showcase international collaborations.
Indigenous Innovation: India’s AI Playbook
A major highlight will be the unveiling of 12 indigenous foundation models under the IndiaAI Mission. These models are tailored specifically for India’s 22 official languages and unique datasets.
- Sarvam AI: Expected to formally launch India’s first fully indigenous Large Language Model (LLM).
- Impact Challenges: Finalists from three global challenges—AI for ALL, AI by HER (women-led), and YUVAi (youth-led)—will present solutions ranging from malaria detection systems to AI-powered speech wearables.
Public Advisory: Traffic and Logistics
With over 2.5 lakh visitors and high-profile VVIP movement, Delhi authorities have issued a significant traffic and security advisory.
| Zone | Impact | Recommendation |
| Central Delhi | Regulated movement on Bhairon Marg and Mathura Road. | Use Delhi Metro; avoid Pragati Maidan area. |
| Airports/Railways | High security check delays expected. | Factor in 90-120 mins extra travel time. |
| CBSE Exams | Exams start Feb 17; coinciding with the summit. | Students with valid admit cards will be given priority passage. |
World Record Attempt: India will attempt a Guinness World Record on Feb 16–17 for the “Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours.”