New Delhi Hosts AI Impact 2026 Summit: Global Leaders Shape Generative AI's Future

The world's attention is currently on New Delhi, India's capital, as the "AI Impact 2026" summit kicks off. This massive global event brings together leading minds and decision-makers in technology to discuss the future of generative AI, its economic and social impacts, and how to govern it to benefit humanity. According to press reports, the summit features leaders from major tech companies, including Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; and Demis Hassabis from Google DeepMind. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the "AI Impact in India 2026" exhibition, held at the Bharat Mandapam complex, which runs until February 20. The event will host over 500 discussion sessions and 300 tech exhibitions, focusing on themes of people, planet, and prosperity. This comes at a time when the race to develop more powerful AI models is accelerating, alongside growing concerns about safety and ethics. The summit's importance isn't just about its global scale; it's also significant because it's being held for the first time in the Global South. This gives developing nations a stronger voice in shaping future technology policies. New strategic partnerships between governments and major tech companies to boost digital infrastructure are expected to be announced during the summit. Delegations from over 100 countries, including leaders from Brazil and France, are participating to discuss AI regulatory challenges and explore innovative solutions for issues like climate change and healthcare. This highlights AI's transformation from a research tool into a practical force with a direct impact on societies and future economies.